Engaging a solicitor

Hi all.

My cheating ex is pushing me into unchartered territory and people keep advising me to get a sol onboard

If i wish to engage a solicitor what are the questions I should be asking re: costs etc?

I''ve had a couple recommended to me by another sol, as I don''t know any or know anyone local who can recommend a good one.

I initially just want to get a feel for what I need to do next as really can''t afford to waste what little money I have.

Thanks TEIN

My advise would be to seek out local support groups and get a Mckenzie friend on board.

Sol will gladly rid you of what little money you have in no time for no effort.

Ed

At least a solicitor has studied law, done years of on the job training, trained further year in year out and has day to day experience of court work. A solicitor can speak for you in court. They are regulated and insured too should things go wrong.

A solicitor''s hourly rate is no indication as to the overall costs. Someone who charges more may work more efficiently, so the work is done more quickly and the overall costs are lower than a solicitor who charges less but works less efficiently. Ask for an estimate for the overall cost but be aware that this can change depending upon the work done.

Legal costs can be kept down by gathering any documents, making copies and filing them in an organized fashion so they can be produced when required. Phone calls and letters often cause costs to rise so it helps if you can keep communications down to a minimum eg keeping lists so you can focus on several problems at the same time and keep to the point and don''t use your solicitor as a counsellor.

The family solicitors'' organisation, Resolution, promotes non confrontation. That doesn''t mean their members can''t be firm and argue your case for you. There is a searchable database on their website, although you need to meet solicitors first and satisfy yourself they are committed to the ideals of the Resolution code of practice. Chambers, the publishers, has an independent directory of lawyers too.