How to Choose a Family Solicitor

Going through a relationship or family breakdown can be one of the most difficult things to deal with. There are a number of options available to those people going through this emotional time whether this is with regards to counselling, mediation or legal advice. Often contacting a solicitor for advice and support is a hard step to contemplate and can often add to your anxiety, especially as this could be the first time you have had to consider talking to a solicitor. The team at IBB are highly experienced in dealing with these situations and guiding you through what can be really difficult landscape.

Consider first of all whether a solicitor is the person you need to talk to at this stage. If you feel the relationship has broken down or you want to understand what your options if things are not resolved then this guide may help you understand what to look for in a family solicitor to help you move forward.
 

1. Research

Do your research and try to find an experienced family solicitor from a reputable firm that you believe you could work well with.  Consider whether mediation (a process where both parties discuss their situation with a qualified mediator in a less formal setting to try and move forward to reach an agreement) may assist you too so that you can discuss this option with a solicitor.  At IBB we have good relationships with a number of mediators and offer this service to clients too.

Talk to friends and family for recommendations and check if individuals you feel you may want to instruct are members of Resolution.  This means that they adopt a sensible and amicable approach to disputes.  Please visit resolution.org.uk for further information about the organisation and its code of conduct.

Consider what services the firm offer in addition in to support your journey.  At IBB we have an in- house wealth team that can assist with any financial queries with regards to the future and what this looks like.  We have strong connections in the local area with other experts that may also be able to support you with other matters.

2. Talk to Solicitors

If possible, try and talk to a solicitor to get a feel for their approach and whether you feel you could work with them.  Do not be afraid to request a short call so that you can ask some pertinent questions about how they work and any specifics about your situation.  If you believe you have found a good fit, ask if they offer an initial consultation.  At IBB we offer an initial fixed fee meeting at a reduced rate which gives the opportunity to raise any questions, understand your options and get to know your solicitor.

3. Approach

Consider what approach may work best in your situation.  Whilst the aim should be for matters to be resolved amicably in order to save time and costs, there are situations where you need a robust and experience solicitor to represent you through litigation and advise you on a strategic approach to the situation to ensure matters move forward in the right way for you.  You will be able to get an idea of a solicitor’s approach in an initial meeting with them but you should also discuss your views on this, as you will know your partner and how amicable, or not, they may be

4. Costs

Consider how you can fund the process and ask for an estimate of the worst- and best-case scenario at the very beginning.  At IBB we will discuss the different options available to you as soon as possible to enable you to make informed decisions about your next steps.  We adopt a team approach to your work whereby certain aspects of the work are carried out by a junior member of the team who is able to do this at a lower rate to reduce the overall costs whilst still being supervised by partners.  We have a good relationship with a number of reputable companies that offer litigation loans in appropriate circumstances and we can put you in touch with these companies if this is an option for you to assist you in funding your case.

At IBB we fully understand the concerns that you will have on embarking upon this journey, Whatever, your situation may be. We hope this short guide is helpful if you find yourself at the beginning this journey and not knowing what step to take first.

Speak to our Family Law Experts

Yasmin Kibble is a solicitor in the Family team and can be contacted on 01895 207 834 or yasmin.kibble@ibblaw.co.uk.