If you’re on the verge of filing for divorce in London, it is a no-brainer to hire the services of quality and experienced family solicitors. Divorce proceedings come with their own set of legal nuances that only a solicitor will be able to help you navigate seamlessly.
Another important reason to hire a lawyer is that there are other very crucial considerations to be handled with finesse. For example, are there children involved, finances or whether your marital relationship was abusive.
However, a divorce isn’t the only reason you should seek the services of a family solicitor. Perhaps you want to get married soon and want a prenuptial agreement drafted, which is going to streamline your marital asset distribution on the off chance you get divorced.
Like any other important decision you take in life, selecting the right type of solicitor to handle your case is paramount. And it is not going to be an easy decision by any measure. You will need to commit to performing your own due diligence, ask for references, reflect on the costs of a solicitor in line with your budget, etc.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to hiring a family lawyer. However, we’ve indicated some important tips and strategies that you can implement to make your journey simpler.
Important Tips to Know When Seeking a Family Solicitor
Narrow Down a List of the Most Suitable Candidates
You’d be surprised to know that the family law market in the UK is valued at a staggering £2 billion. This means that there are a variety of family solicitors to choose from. However, it is wise not to commit to the first law firm you get in touch with.
You should do some research. Google and personal references can be an excellent way to narrow down a list of the best solicitors to handle your case.
However, also understand that your divorce case will likely be different than other cases, which means that while word-of-mouth recommendations are worth checking out, it is also essential to schedule an in-person or a phone interview with a couple of divorce solicitors to know whether they will be able to handle your proceedings.
In addition, it will also be worth your while if you seek a law firm that is listed on lawyersorted.com. It is one of the best legal directory for finding the right law firms in the country based on different cities and regions.
Moreover, hiring a family solicitor will probably cost you. Not all of us can afford huge teams of lawyers and experts like A-list celebrities. This is why it is important that you only spend your hard-earned money on a law firm you can trust, one that will deliver on its promises.
You need to find a solicitor willing to sit down and transparently communicate with you, taking their time to understand your situation and present viable and actionable solutions that are in the best interests of your case.
Try To Find a Solicitor With Comprehensive Experience
London is, unfortunately, known as the globe’s divorce capital. While you can be assured that family solicitors in the city are equipped to handle your case, it is also important to find out whether they are experienced or resourceful enough to handle a variety of factors associated with a divorce proceeding.
For example, let’s say you find a suitable family lawyer willing and able to handle your divorce proceeding, especially the marital asset distribution side of things. However, it is possible that they may not be experienced enough to take care of things associated with child support, spousal alimony, and/or parental schedules after divorce.
With that being said, it is vital to find a solicitor who excels in all aspects of a divorce case. In addition to this, you must also consider the per-hour retainer fee or the overall fee of the solicitor’s service.
You see, divorce cases usually take a long time to end. And the longer the case extends, the more money you will have to pay your solicitor.
So, if you’re in London looking for a family lawyer, ensure that you remain within your budget and whether you can pay. It will be counterproductive and a waste of time, resources, and energy if you run out of funds in the middle of the case.
If you fear this can possibly be the case, talk to your lawyer and find out whether there are other methods of funding your divorce case.
Choose a Family Lawyer Who also Offers Family Mediation Service
While this may not necessarily be a cause for concern for you, but solicitors providing family therapeutic or mediation services can be a godsend in terms of amicably handling your situation post-divorce.
There is no question that separation can be a very painful and emotionally daunting experience for some, especially when there are children involved.
A solicitor who can also provide you with a family mediation professional can potentially help you ease into the next phase of your life, providing emotional support amidst your legal process.