Written by Antony Clapp
Family Law deals with some of the most challenging issues a person can face in their lifetime – separation; divorce; financial disputes; children matters – these are the things we care about most and impact our lives and personal happiness most profoundly. Naturally, when it comes to choosing a family lawyer or solicitor to represent your interests, you’ll want ‘the best’ – but how do you assess what that really is? This post looks at some key factors you should consider when choosing a family lawyer.
The Appropriate Level of Experience
In our blog considering hourly rates, we recognised the difference between senior and junior lawyers. If your case is comparatively straightforward, you will be able to benefit from the reduced rate of the most junior member of the team. It is inevitably the case that the junior lawyer will have some access to the senior team to ask questions. Therefore simply seeking out the most senior lawyer at the beginning of the case and remaining with that individual may not be a necessary approach and early discussions with the appropriate team member is essential.
Accessibility and Communication
There is no doubt that for some clients, proximity of the office and even availability of parking is an important factor when choosing a lawyer. The characteristics of modern practice have significantly altered over the years reducing the importance of these practical concerns. Regular face-to-face appointments are much less essential and experience has shown that completely satisfactory representation can be undertaken for those living some distance from the office and even abroad. Skype, email and conference calls in particular, have transformed the scope for ‘long distance representation’. Antony Clapp Solicitors in fact have modern accommodating offices with ample free parking, and the technology and communications options to suit any preference of online or in-person meeting.
Confidence at Every Stage
It is essential that clients have confidence in their representation. The true professional is easy to work with, kindly supportive, focussed and above all provides clear and understandable advice. In reality, it is likely that a client will determine early on the level of confidence that is generated in the professional advisor. In the event that confidence is lost for whatever reason, a client should be unhesitating to change representation swiftly. A particular skill of our team is to understand quickly and assimilate facts of a partly conducted case to place it back on track without delay.
The Expertise to Succeed
It is essential that you instruct the correct and appropriate lawyer if your affairs are complicated and out of the ordinary. As a first step, you should research your potential representative to gain an understanding of what they can offer and what differentiates them from other choices. Years of general practice may not be key, but expertise must be a factor that is taken into consideration. The procedures and forms to be completed may appear formulaic, but the contents and best presentation of the facts of your case are invaluable to secure the right outcome. Expertise in any given area (for example a contentious divorce settlement negotiation, or in dealing with a non-compliant spouse) will not just be valuable or advantageous, but often, fundamental.
First Steps to Selection
Of course do look at the web site for your potential representative, contact a member of the team and ask questions. Do not ever be afraid to establish for yourself that the lawyer you are proposing to appoint is right for you and possesses the requisite skills and experience to meet all of your professional needs. Family Law firms should be happy to discuss their areas of expertise, the experience of their team and help to match you with the lawyer who best fits the demands of your case.
Fixed-Fee Consultation
We offer new clients a fixed-fee consultation (with certain team members) so you have an opportunity to discuss the specific details of your case, the outcome you seek and ask any questions you may have about what to expect. In return, we’ll offer guidance and transparency on the process ahead, our approach to the case, our fees and how to proceed if you feel we’re the best choice to represent you.
If you’d like to arrange a consultation with a member of our team, please call us and we’ll contact you to arrange a convenient time.