You are not alone: almost everyone worries about legal fees. We understand that no one wants additional stress in what is an already stressful situation when you are separating or divorcing. However, investing in very the best legal advice is the best investment you can make for your future. There’s no point in you saving a little on legal costs if this means you get a smaller financial settlement.
Ultimately, you get what you pay for and investing in the best legal representation will reap benefits by you getting a better settlement. Here are some suggestions for helping you manage your legal costs.
1. Self help
Make notes for your meetings or telephone calls with us so that we cover everything you want to discuss in one phone call or meeting. Write down questions as they come to you and, unless they are urgent, wait and discuss these with us on one occasion rather than telephoning us as and when the questions come into your mind.
Take time to collate all of your financial documents and provide them to us in a way that they are clearly identifiable and in date order. We will give you a list of the information required based on what you have told us about your financial position.
Take time to think things over. You will always have a “knee jerk” reaction to information you receive but wait and think it over and it may be that you don’t need to react or respond at all or, if you do need to respond, your views will be more balanced and clear.
2. Get outside help
Financial advisers can be incredibly helpful in planning for the future and focusing on what is most important.
A pensions expert has a different role to that of a financial planner. If pension funds are to be shared they will look at all of the options and pitfalls.
Personal coaching can help you cope with the emotional side of the divorce so you are using your lawyer purely for the legal issues.
3. Don’t sweat the small stuff
There will be minor issues along the way which can take your focus off the bigger picture. Take time to consider whether they are important enough to spend your time and money on or whether you can let them go.
4. Talk to us
If you are worried about being able to afford your legal costs, tell us and we can talk through the options which may be available to you.
5. Be realistic
Think about what you want to achieve and what is best for you and your family.
If the issue is the arrangements for the children – what is really going to work best for your children?
If the issue is financial arrangements, we can’t make you better off than you were before the separation. There is only so much money to go around and the more that is spent on legal costs the less there is to share between you. If you are concerned that your ex has hidden money or income then it is right that this is investigated but don’t embark on a “wild goose chase”.
We would always advise you to take legal advice from a family law specialist. Whilst we appreciate this may feel like a costly exercise it can save you time and money in the long run. We will work hard to keep your costs under control with you.
Call us today on 01423 594680.
Andrew Meehan is an experienced family lawyer specialising in complex divorces involving significant or hidden assets, as well as cases involving children.
He is recommended for family law by both Chambers 2019 (York, Hull and surrounding regions) and the Legal 500 2018 (Leeds/West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire region).
Everyone’s circumstances are different and this article is provided by way of general information only and must not be replied upon. If you require legal advice on a family law issue, please feel free to contact us by emailing enquiries@harrogatefamilylaw.co.uk.
