Do I need a solicitor for my divorce?

Getting divorced is often a stressful time. One of the most common questions asked is whether a solicitor is needed for a divorce or not. At a time of potentially substantial change, the added burden of the formal, legal aspects of filing for divorce can feel overwhelming. Consulting a solicitor when going through a divorce is often recommended for several important reasons. In this blog we break down and explore some of the key reasons why having a solicitor can be beneficial…

Legal Knowledge and Expertise: the law surrounding divorce and the related financial matters can be complicated – involving challenging legal processes, paperwork, and legislation. An experienced divorce solicitor has a deep understanding of family law and can guide you through the entire journey, making sure you understand that you know your rights, what to expect, and helping you to make informed decisions throughout the process. As for the mountain of paperwork involved in a divorce – a divorce solicitor can minimise the stress of that for you – by ensuring everything is filled out correctly and submitted on time.

Objective and Rational Advice: Divorce can be an emotional rollercoaster, and it is not unusual for impulsive or irrational decisions to be made as a result. Working with a solicitor can help minimise the chance of that happening, providing objective advice based on legal expertise and experience, supporting you to make decisions that are in the best interests of both you and your family in the long run, even when emotions are running high.

Asset Division and Financial Matters: Dividing assets and determining financial matters can be complicated, especially if there are assets such as shared properties, pensions, and / or debts involved. A solicitor can help to ensure that your financial interests are protected and negotiate a fair settlement for you.

Arrangements for children: If you have children, their well-being and living arrangements are arguably top of the list in terms of priority. A solicitor can help you navigate the law with regard to living arrangements for children, and work towards a fair arrangement which works for all. They can also advise on what maintenance might be payable on an ongoing basis, dependent upon your specific circumstances.

Out of court settlements: Many divorces are capable of being settled outside of court. A skilled divorce solicitor can represent you during negotiations, putting your best case forward and working towards a favourable settlement. They can also draft the legally binding documents that will be needed to protect you and finalise matters properly.

Court Representation: If your divorce needs to go to court, a solicitor can really help, and if needs be, instruct a barrister to act on your behalf. The potential pitfalls of attending court without legal representation are many, and having a solicitor or barrister by your side at such an important stage can markedly improve the chances of your case being properly presented to the court.

Not many relish the prospect of contacting a solicitor, let alone a divorce solicitor, and here at Franklins we are realistic about that. We try to make the process of instructing us as easy and pain free as possible. We offer an initial appointment for a cost of £195, during which we try to give you an understanding of your legal position and what the future might hold.

If you feel Franklins might be the right firm to help you with your divorce, and you would like to enquire about when your initial appointment could be scheduled, please contact our Family Law team on 01604 828282 / 01908 660966 or email info@franklins-sols.co.uk