Many people choose to use a solicitor during divorce, particularly when finances or children are involved. While a DIY divorce is possible, a solicitor can guide you through the legal process and help protect your position.
Do I need a solicitor for divorce?
You do not always need a solicitor to get divorced. However, legal advice is strongly recommended if:
- You have shared property, savings or pensions
- There are disagreements about finances
- You have children and cannot agree arrangements
- There are concerns about safety or complex circumstances
In these situations, a solicitor can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure any agreement is fair.
How do I find the right solicitor?
Start by looking for a solicitor who specialises in family law. Not all solicitors deal with divorce, so this is important.
You can search online or use trusted directories such as the Law Society:
https://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk/
You can also look for solicitors through Resolution, which promotes a more constructive, non-confrontational approach:
https://resolution.org.uk/
In addition, your local Citizens Advice can offer guidance:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Personal recommendations from friends or family can be helpful. However, remember that your situation may be different, so always do your own research.
If you are on a low income, check whether the solicitor offers legal aid or alternative funding options.
What happens at the first appointment?
Many solicitors offer an initial consultation, sometimes free or at a reduced cost.
To make the most of this meeting, prepare in advance. Bring key documents such as financial information, details about your children and any relevant correspondence.
Use the meeting to ask questions about your options, likely outcomes and estimated costs.
What should I expect from my solicitor?
Your solicitor should provide clear legal advice and represent your interests.
They should explain costs at the outset, although these can change depending on how complex your case becomes.
You should receive information about their terms of business, including fees and how they will communicate with you.
A good solicitor will encourage you to resolve matters amicably where possible, rather than pushing unnecessary court action.
They should also keep you updated on your case. However, it is worth remembering that solicitors manage many clients, so you may need to follow up if you have not heard anything for a while.
What won’t a solicitor do?
A solicitor is there for legal advice, not emotional support.
While they may be understanding, they are not a substitute for counselling. Divorce can be emotionally difficult, so additional support may be helpful.
Your solicitor can only act on the information you provide. Therefore, be honest and accurate. If important details are missed or incorrect, it can affect your case.
They will not investigate your personal history in depth. If you are dealing with false allegations or disputes about children, you may need to gather your own evidence.
What if I am not happy with my solicitor?
If you are unhappy with the advice you receive, you can seek a second opinion.
However, be realistic. If the advice relates to legal principles or the welfare of your children, another solicitor is likely to give similar guidance.
If your concern is about service rather than advice, you can raise this with the firm directly or follow their complaints process.
What is the role of a barrister?
If your case goes to court, your solicitor may instruct a barrister to represent you.
A barrister speaks on your behalf in court and presents your case to the judge.
It is a good idea to meet your barrister before the hearing. This ensures they understand your situation and that you feel comfortable with them representing you.
What is the most important thing to remember?
Choosing the right solicitor can make a significant difference to how your divorce progresses.
Take your time, ask questions and focus on finding someone who communicates clearly and understands your priorities.
