How to choose the right family law solicitor for you

There are all sorts of occasions in life where you could need the help of a family law solicitor and finding excellent legal support can make all the difference. The UK’s pool of legal experts is large and diverse. So, how do you go about narrowing down the field and finding a good match for you and your family? Let's delve into some sensible considerations and empowering steps you can take to find the right family lawyer for you.

Beginning the search

According to the Solicitors Regulation Authority, there are over 160,000 practising solicitors in the UK today. So, start by narrowing your search to the field of ‘family law’.

Secondly, think about whether you prefer to meet a solicitor in person. Modern technology allows people to conduct business remotely – meetings via video, documents signed by e-signature – without the need to meet face-to-face. This enables you to tap into a wealth of expertise countrywide. If you would prefer to meet your solicitor in person, be sure to focus your search on firms that have offices within a reasonable travelling distance of your home.

Specialist family lawyers

You can narrow your search further by looking for ‘specialist family law solicitors’ who deal solely with family law. By focusing on just one area of law, these specialist lawyers can have enhanced expertise. They can also offer several distinct advantages over more ‘general’ legal practitioners, including:

● access to specialist in-house resources, like mediators and divorce coaches

● enhanced skills in handling emotions sensitively

● key negotiation and advocacy skills in delicate matters

● in-depth family law knowledge

The extra resources available from specialist solicitors can give you on-tap support whenever you need it. They can easily access the wider knowledge of their own team to strengthen your case and achieve the best outcome for you.

If you are getting divorced, specialist solicitors also have additional expertise in negotiating settlements. This can be achieved through specialised services such as family arbitration or virtual mediation. These services can advantageously help you to avoid court and the additional costs that this would likely entail.

An online search for ‘Specialist Family Lawyers’ is an ideal way to start your sift, as it enables you to hone in on the some of the highest expertise and best-equipped family law solicitors from the outset.

Understanding your needs

Family law is a vast area which covers everything from relationship breakdown and child arrangements to adoption and surrogacy, wealth management, family wills and much more. Take some time to note down the issues you’re expecting to face.

For example, if you are you separating or divorcing:

● Are children involved?

● Do you anticipate disputes over your finances or family home?

● Do you need specialist financial advice?

● Is there an overseas or international interest in your affairs?

Whatever lies ahead, understanding your own situation will help you to pinpoint solicitors who offer the right services, and have the right skills and expertise to meet your needs.

Services, skills and accreditations

Refer to the Services page of the firm’s website. You may need to tap into a number of the services offered. If you’re getting divorced you could benefit from advice on areas such as No Fault Divorce, Child Arrangements, Consent Orders or Finances on Separation. Shortlist those firms offering a broad range of services and check that they are accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

If you are facing separation or divorce, it’s advisable to find a solicitor who is a member of Resolution. Resolution is a community of law professionals committed to working with individuals and families in a constructive way. Member solicitors aim to minimise conflict and keep the interests of any children at heart. This approach helps to safeguard well-being and resolve matters efficiently and compassionately.

Some people will be entitled to Legal Aid, which helps to pay for legal support, mediation or representation in court. Many solicitors, including ourselves, do not offer Legal Aid. If you think you are entitled, you will need to undertake a specific search for solicitors that deal specifically with Legal Aid cases.

There is also some great advice on all sorts of family law matters on the Citizens’ Advice website.

Meet the team

Once you’ve identified a firm of accredited family law solicitors, compare your needs with their services and the people within their organisation. You can often find helpful pages on their websites entitled ‘Our People’ or ‘Meet the Team’. You’ll get a feel for the expertise and experience they offer. Does it look like they hold the right expertise for you?

Reviews and referrals

Have a read through any client testimonials or reviews. By publishing reviews, a firm of solicitors shows openness and transparency. Obviously, firms don’t tend to display negative reviews on their own websites, but there are independent sites (like a TripAdvisor for solicitors!) such as reviewsolicitors. You’ll get an idea of their reputation and track record of success, particularly in reference to the type of support you need.

Referring to the Legal 500 is also useful. It’s a guide that ranks law firms and individual lawyers based on research. All those listed are considered to be reputable and highly experienced.

Recommendations from trusted sources – such as friends, family or colleagues who have undergone similar experiences – can be very helpful. However, just because a firm was a good choice for someone else doesn’t mean they are always going to be the right one for you – still make your own checks and your own decision. That said, personal referrals can provide valuable insights into a solicitor's professionalism and empathy.

Compatibility

Choosing the right family lawyer is not just about qualifications or ticking boxes on a legal checklist. It's about finding a compassionate ally who understands your unique needs and advocates well for you. Before committing, make sure you have an initial meeting to get a feel for how they will work with you in the future.

Pay close attention to how the solicitor listens to your story and whether they convey empathy and reassurance amidst the legal detail. Prepare a list of questions to ask at your first meeting including ones about legal fees, the process and potential outcomes. A professional solicitor will address your concerns transparently and offer you a personalised advice tailored to you.

After the meeting, ask yourself:

● Did they listen to me and take time to understand my needs?

● Did they explain the basics, such as their processes, timescales and fee structure?

● Did they communicate clearly?

If the answer to any of the questions is no, keep looking! You can schedule meetings with more than one solicitor to assess your compatibility and their competencies. You need to feel entirely comfortable with your solicitor. Rapport is important.

Be sure to consider your preferred communication style too. Do you prefer face-to-face meetings, phone calls, or emails? It helps if your future legal partner understands your preferences for effective communication.

Fee structure and affordability

To avoid surprises, always find out about the solicitor's fee structure from the outset. Do they work on a fixed-fee basis, or through an hourly rate? A fixed-fee basis means a solicitor will provide a quote, a fixed price for each stage of legal work, at the beginning of the process. This can be preferable for someone who prefers a definite figure upfront.

An hourly rate will depend upon a solicitor’s level of experience in the field. An open and detailed discussion about the potential complexities of your case will help you gain a reasonable idea of the likely costs of handling your case. Remember that this will only ever be an estimate and there could be other fees encountered along the way, such as court or barrister fees.

While cost is undoubtedly a factor, consider a solicitor's experience, their skills and your rapport when you evaluate affordability. An experienced and well-resourced solicitor committed to a conciliatory approach is likely to achieve a satisfactory outcome quicker than many others, saving you time and money.

Making the right choice

A good family lawyer should:

✅ be qualified and accredited

✅ be focused on your well-being and your unique priorities

✅ signpost mediation and other conciliatory approaches

✅ handle your case with empathy, compassion and sensitivity

✅ take a long-term perspective to ensure your stable future

✅ communicate legal guidance clearly

✅ discuss and agree fees at the very start

Most importantly, trust your instincts. With sensible research and a constructive initial meeting, you’ll feel confident that you have found the best legal helping hands for you.

At K J Smith Solicitors, we specialise in Family Law. We foster collaborative and trusting relationships and work constructively to find the best workable outcomes for you and your family. We know that every family law case is unique to each individual. So, we personalise our services to meet your needs. Contact us to arrange a FREE 45 minute consultation. We are ready to get to know you and help you with all aspects of Family Law.