If you’re contemplating a separation or divorce, choosing the right solicitor is an important step. You need to be confident that they’ll be with you at every step, and provide the honest and objective advice you need to make those all-important decisions. But how do you know when it’s a good fit?
From transparency around costs to the values a law firm is built on, here we’re providing five top tips to help choose the right solicitor for you.
Find the expertise you need
Whether it’s getting the right financial settlement for the future, having correct advice in relation to a business or pensions, or negotiating the arrangements for the children, making sure that your solicitor is able to expertly address your concerns is vital.
At Harrogate Family Law, we ensure our expertise by specialising solely in family law. It allows us to be the expert team you need across a wide range of family law matters, and to continually strengthen our knowledge and skills, and adapt as the law changes and evolves.
Look at their reputation
Different law firms are known for different things. But the most important thing is that their reputation precedes them in a positive way. Do your research. Are they recognised locally, nationally, or both? Have they been recommended to you by other people?
As a firm, we work with clients both locally and across the rest of the country. An award-winning firm, we’ve consistently retained our rankings in legal guides such as Chambers UK and the Legal 500, and have a team of solicitors who put their clients at the centre of everything that they do.
Have an open conversation about costs
Not all cases will incur the same costs. It may be that your matter is relatively straightforward, and unlikely to require the intervention of the family court. On the other hand, your situation might be more complex, requiring more time and resources. This might particularly be the case if you’re dealing with a narcissistic spouse or partner.
It’s very likely that costs will be something that’s discussed at your initial meeting. At Harrogate Family Law, costs are addressed regularly throughout your matter, putting you in the know and giving you time to financially plan for all eventualities.
Make sure you’re ready
Separation, divorce, and the associated issues can really take a toll on your emotional and mental wellbeing.
Think about how you’re feeling. Are you at risk of making knee jerk decisions? Are you feeling angry and confrontational? Whilst these are very natural reactions, it can help to take a step back and consider the situation. Speak with friends or family members, or explore options for counselling to make sure you’re in the best possible frame of mind to look to the future.
Which brings us onto our final tip…
Have a meeting before you instruct
Before you make a decision, most solicitors offer a one-off consultation, giving you the opportunity to ask any questions and get an idea of what your options are. But such meetings are important in another way too. They’re a chance for you to get a feel for the firm and the solicitor you’re talking to.
Are they someone you feel comfortable with? Are you happy with their approach? Do you feel confident that they’ve got your best interests at heart? These are all questions that you should be asking yourself before you instruct.
When it comes to choosing a solicitor, there’s a lot to think about, but hopefully we’ve given you the head start you need. If you’d like to book a no-obligation consultation with a member of our family team, all you need to do is get in touch.
