Choosing a Family Lawyer

Few people consult a family lawyer before they need to do so and, for that reason, the process of choosing one to support and represent you at a difficult and stressful time can feel rather rushed.

Many of our clients come to us through recommendation from a family member, friend or work colleague, but a significant number will look for a family lawyer through local publications, organisations or the internet.

Divorce, separation and issues concerning children are often emotional, complex and can take time to resolve.  This is why it is vital to choose a solicitor that you feel will provide you with the best level of service and support for you and one who understands your situation.

We would recommend considering the following key criteria when choosing a family lawyer:

Expertise and Experience

Not all family lawyers are the same.  It is advisable to research the family lawyers in your area to find out what level of experience and expertise they have.  For example, establish whether they offer supportive, clear advice that can result in a quick resolution and direct agreement, but also provide strong, robust expertise should Court intervention be required.

Clear costs

Family lawyers should be able to provide their clients with a clear indication of the costs involved.  When first consulting a family lawyer, prospective clients should be made aware of the various options available to them to reach agreement in case of dispute.  Where direct agreement proves difficult, the parties might attend Mediation, Collaborative Law, and Arbitration or negotiate via solicitors in preparation for an application to Court, should all else fail.

Often, separating couples are able to reach a settlement as to their finances in, broadly speaking, amicable terms.  Implementing that settlement may be more or less complicated but family lawyers should be on hand to minimise dispute, and thereby costs, so far as possible.

Communication

Regular updates from your solicitor can help you feel more in control and better prepared.  It is a good idea to make it clear how you would like to be communicated with, i.e. by letter, phone or email and also agree on the frequency of these updates.

Our family lawyers provide clients with their direct lines and their individual email addresses at the very outset.  Face-to-face meetings are extremely important for us to appreciate fully your needs and expectations, as well as giving you reassurance and helping you to place your trust in us.

Spratt Endicott Solicitors provides a full range of legal services from our four offices in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire.  Our Family Law Department prides itself on resolving conflict so far as possible, whilst defending our client’s best interests as may be required, and we often represent clients who are matched against firms in London with an international footprint.

We offer clients a free Options Meeting, either by phone or face-to-face, as well as a fixed fee initial meeting.  For more information please contact Patrick Mulcare on 01295 204153 or email pmulcare@se-solicitors.co.uk.

*Disclaimer: While everything has been done to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this article, it is a general guide only. It is not comprehensive and does not constitute legal advice. Specific legal advice should be sought in relation to the particular facts of a given situation.*