Getting the right divorce lawyer for you is very important.  You are going through perhaps the most difficult time of your life and you need to know that you have the very best on your side.  We have compiled 5 questions that we feel are essential to ask you family lawyer and explained why speaking to us is the best next step you can take.

  1. Do you specialise in family law?

This is really important.  You’ve heard the expression “jack of all trades, master of none”.  If you want to get the best outcome possible, you want to speak with a specialist family lawyer who focuses purely on that area of law.

Here at Harrogate Family Law we are a specialist practice.  The whole firm focuses solely on divorce and family law ensuring we have the detailed expertise required to get our clients the best for their future.  Our solicitors are all approachable, dedicated and experts in the family law field.  This is really important as we use our skills and expertise to ensure that you get what you are entitled to.

  1. Are you a member of Resolution?

Resolution is a national organisation made up of family lawyers who are committed to dealing with family law issues in a non-confrontational way.  Whilst emotions are running high you might relish the idea of being confrontational.  However, that may end up with more heartache, things will be dragged out, it will cost you more money and you will end up in court.

Here at Harrogate Family Law our solicitors are Resolution members.  They understand the emotional strain of a divorce and are here to help you move forward with your life in the best way possible for you and your family.

  1. Tell me about timescales?

This is a two-part question.  The first surrounds timescales for your case.  How long does a divorce generally take?  Are there any known delays at the moment with courts?  It is important to know what you are letting yourself in for.

Part two surrounds the timescales the solicitors can offer.  If you email them are you going to have to wait 2 weeks for a response?  Are you going to have to chase them all the time?

We understand that going through divorce can feel like you are losing control and it is important to know exactly where you stand.  We are very popular and busy but always try to offer accurate timescales and will let you know if there are any known delays through, for example, the court.

With regard to our internal timescales we always endeavour to respond the same working day if possible.  However, if you have an urgent issue you are always welcome to call the office and speak to one of our friendly members of staff who will be able to assist.

  1. Do you work as a team?

This may sound like an odd question or even an irrelevant question.  But, imagine that your solicitor is on holiday for 2 weeks.  What happens if they are the only family lawyer?  Or, consider this.  Your solicitor is an expert when it comes to divorce but has little knowledge when it comes to arrangements for children.  This wasn’t an issue because you thought the arrangements for your children had been agreed but now, they haven’t and you need help.  What do you do?

 

Here at Harrogate Family Law we work as a team.  All of our lawyers are specialist family lawyers; however, each have their own specific interests and areas of expertise.  They also have different experience levels and charges.  We manage your case by combining our lawyers’ expertise and experience levels to get you the best possible outcome, whilst being cost effective for you.

  1. What are the next steps?

There is nothing worse than not knowing what is coming next.  What happens after an initial meeting with a solicitor?  Where do you go from here?

We will provide you with detailed information about the next steps at each stage.  We will give you your options and be guided by you.  Everything will be taken at your pace.

Our promise to you

We understand the prospect of instructing a solicitor is a worrying one and we are here to help.  We promise that we will help you:

  • Get a fair deal
  • Stay out of court
  • Avoid mistakes
  • Save money

 To speak to one of our friendly solicitors for a confidential chat give us a call 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 2020 (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 relied upon.  If you require legal advice on a family law issue, please feel free to contact us by emailing enquiries@harrogatefamilylaw.co.uk.