There are a huge range of companies across the UK offering family law services and knowing who to choose can be a difficult decision.
Many people looking for a family solicitor are going through a highly emotional time and the last thing you need is to waste your time trawling through unsuitable candidates.
You need someone discreet and effective, who will build a relationship with you and fight on your behalf, with an in-depth knowledge of the law and a proven record of resolving disputes in situations similar to yours.
To help you narrow down your search here are 7 of the most important questions to ask when considering a potential family law solicitor.
1. Who is in charge?
Finding a solicitor who is highly respected and qualified shouldn’t be too difficult, but if you decide to use their services you need to be sure they are the one who will take charge of your case.
The last thing you need is for all the task of managing your case to be farmed out to the new guy who is far less experienced and lacks the suitable qualifications.
The best family solicitors at Oracle Law Family Law will utilise their support staff to ensure nothing is overlooked but still be available to their clients if needed and be at the helm to make any major decisions.
2. Are they experienced?
Having been in the industry for a long time is not, on its own, enough to guarantee the quality of a family solicitor but it is a strong indicator that they will have experience of dealing with similar cases in the past.
Far more important than the number of years they have been practicing law for is how much experience they have that is relevant to the specifics of your case and their track record of resolving similar scenarios.
3. Do they specialise in family law?
It may be tempting to hire the most well-respected lawyer in your area or stick with a firm that has served you well in the past, but this may not be the best idea in a family law case
There are many different areas of expertise in law, and family law is one of the most complex forms of litigation.
Just because a lawyer has a fantastic record in a criminal court, does not mean that they have the finesses to deal with the highly charged atmosphere of family law and it is always best to check
4. Are they accredited?
If you are unsure how to judge if a solicitor has the relevant expertise for your needs, there are a number of accreditations that you can look out for that suggests a family lawyer is trustworthy.
For example, being a member of Resolution is a sign that a law firm is committed to resolving family issues in a non-confrontational manner and possesses a certain level of knowledge and expertise in family law.
The law society are another respected professional body that runs accreditation schemes for family law, and membership can be considered a sign of skill and trustworthiness.
5. Are they respected?
There is no better way to judge the quality of a family lawyer’s work that to hear the opinions of previous clients
Many family lawyers have client testimonials available on their website which will give you a better idea of what you can expect from their services and the values of the firm in question.
If you see the testimonial of a client who was in a situation similar to the one you are now, and their situation was satisfactorily resolved, it will give you peace of mind, and a bit more confidence that you are making the right decision.
6. Do they offer mediation?
Many family disputes can be resolved through mediation, encouraging a participatory resolution through communication and negotiation.
Mediation is not the same as legal representation, but some solicitors will also offer mediation services.
If a firm does offer mediation, they will be able to determine whether or not your case could be resolved in such a way and refer you to an experienced mediator to give you the best possible chance of success.
7. What is their plan?
Sometimes, the most straightforward questions are the best.
Simply asking a potential family solicitor how they intend to resolve your case is the best way to judge if your thoughts align and you will be able to work well together.
In family law cases going to court should always be the last resort as it can cause unnecessary stress and is extremely expensive.
Mediation or an out or court solution should always be a family solicitor’s go-to choice, and if not, it may be worth looking elsewhere.