Checklist (seeing a solicitor)

Choosing a solicitor

If there is more than one family law solicitor in your area, you'll need to choose which one to use. We've produced a checklist of the questions you might want to ask them to help you decide.

Do you take legal aid cases? If you think you'll qualify for legal aid, don't forget to check, because not all solicitors do.

What are the hourly charges of the solicitors who are likely to deal with my case? Does this include VAT? If you don't qualify for legal aid, you will have to pay for your solicitor. It may be that, at different times, more than one solicitor from the same organisation will work on your case. The more senior the solicitor is, the more they will charge.

Are the solicitors who are likely to deal with my case members of Resolution? Resolution is an association of lawyers who deal with family disputes. Their members follow a code of good practice, requiring them to work in a way that will encourage their clients to put their differences aside and reach a fair agreement.

Will you be happy to take the case if I also choose to use a mediator? Not all solicitors recognise the value of mediation, which may make life difficult if you are keen to try it.

What should I bring with me to my first meeting? At some stage you will need to provide your solicitor with financial information (about your home, savings, debts, income, and living costs) and any relevant legal documents (such as your marriage certificate and any letters from your partner's solicitor). The more information you can take to the first meeting, the more the solicitor will be able to advise you about straight away.

You first meeting with your solicitor

At your first appointment, your solicitor will try to find out as much as they can about your particular situation and the issues that need to be resolved. But it is also your opportunity to ask your solicitor anything you want to know about how they will deal with your case. Here's a checklist of some of the questions you might want to ask at the first meeting.

Do I qualify for legal aid? If you don't know this yet, your solicitor will be able to work it out for you. To do this, it's important that you take with you your National Insurance number, and evidence of any benefits you receive. You also need to take your latest payslip if you are working and you need to be able to say what your current rent or mortgage payments are and any amount you are paying for childcare costs because of work.

How much is my case going to cost? Does this include VAT? Your solicitor should be able to give you an estimate of how much the whole case should cost fairly early on. This estimate may change if the circumstances change but your solicitor should keep you up-to-date with costs. You can ask them to let you know and stop work temporarily if they reach a certain amount.

Will you be dealing with my case? Will the solicitor you have your first meeting with be the only person dealing with your case, or will there be more than one? What are the contact details for everyone responsible for your case?