Having the right divorce lawyer (solicitor) is crucial to assisting you through the process of separation and divorce. It is very important that you feel confident in your lawyer and that you believe that they are listening to you whilst being realistic about options and outcomes.
Here are some things to think about when choosing a solicitor:
Ask friends who have been divorced for an honest assessment of the lawyers they used. Sometimes a personal recommendation can be reassuring.
- But just because your friend thought their lawyer was the best it does not mean you will find them so. If you do not feel comfortable with, or confident in, them look for someone else
- If your partner’s lawyer suggests someone who might act for you take the suggestion seriously. If you are unsure visit the suggested lawyer and see how you get on with them and tell them about any concerns you have. Having two lawyers who work well together can be a real advantage for you and your family
- Check out any lawyers you arrange to meet before you go. Look at their websites. Find out if they are members of Resolution, the national association of specialist family law practitioners, (www.resolution.org.uk) who subscribe to a code of conduct intended to minimise animosity between lawyers and their clients.
- Make a list of the attributes you want your lawyer to have and see how the people you have identified as possible lawyers for you measure up to the list.
- After you have met with a solicitor ask yourself the following questions:
- Did I feel heard/listened to?
- Was I made to feel that I was an important client to the solicitor or just another file in the filing cabinet?
- Will the solicitor I saw be the one dealing with my case or will I get passed down the line?
- Did I feel confident in the solicitor both in the way they would handle my case and in the advice they gave?
- Did I feel I would be allowed to be in control of the process and the timing of the process?
- Is this lawyer able to provide the service I want/need?
- Was I able to ask all the questions I wanted to ask and were my questions answered?
7. Can you afford the lawyer you have chosen? Fewer and fewer firms are offering publically funded work and so it is really important that you are aware of the funding options before you retain a lawyer to represent you.
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