Buyer's Guide to Divorce - Why use a regulated law firm?
There are many online divorce websites that offer a 'quick', 'cheap' divorce without a solicitor.
Many people view solicitors as expensive - but there are some clear benefits to using one.
| | Cheap 'Quickie' Divorce Websites | Lawyer Managed Divorce Services | ||||
Accreditation | ||||||
 Your divorce may be delayed or rejected by the court if mistakes are made in the application, so it is important that the person managing your divorce is legally qualified. |  | Less experience. Online services generally use lower paid Legal Executives and you have no way of checking how experienced they are. |  | Experienced in family law. To qualify for 'Family Law accreditation' lawyers have to demonstrate that they have at least 350 hours current experience and knowledge of family law. | ||
Regulation and Standards | ||||||
 The Solicitors Regulation Authority protects consumers by setting standards of professional conduct, handling complaints and providing compensation if a solicitor acts dishonestly. | | Not regulated | | Family law firms are regulated by the SRA. Law firms must comply with a code of conduct, they must act with integrity and in the interests of their clients, and they must remain independent and offer a good standard of service. | ||
Legal Advice | ||||||
Access to legal advice during divorce is important to avoid mistakes that could have serious long term financial consequences. | | Not included. Case managers from unregulated divorce websites are not qualified to offer legal advice. In fact they are not allowed to offer legal advice. | | Included. Family lawyers are qualifed and are able to offer legal advice. | ||
Professional Indemnity Insurance | ||||||
Professional indemnity insurance provides cover to ensure that a provider of legal services can afford any claims of negligence that might be brought against it. | | Not covered. Most online divorce companies do not carry this insurance as it is expensive. | | Covered. By choosing a lawyer to manage your divorce you are getting this important insurance cover included. | ||
Complaint Handling | ||||||
 What happens when something goes wrong with your divorce or consent order? For example: if your divorce petition is not drafted properly and is rejected by the court, who can you complain to? | | Not covered. Unfortunately, if the company that you use to manage your divorce is not a regulated law firm then you cannot complain to the legal ombudsman. | | Covered. If you have a complaint about a lawyer, the legal ombudsman offers a free, impartial service to resolve that complaint. | ||
