Divorce - 5 reasons why you should use a solicitor.

With the implementation of no-fault divorce in April 2022 you may be tempted to use the internet and obtain a divorce yourself. This is an option, but this is not the right solution for everyone. We look at 5 reasons why getting advice from an experienced solicitor is sensible.

1. Knowledge

Our family team have acted for clients in hundreds of divorce cases. They have the knowledge to extract information you may not think is relevant, but which could be vital to the outcome of your financial settlement. For examples issues relating to pensions and inheritances.

If your partner chooses to instruct a solicitor to act for them with regards to their divorce, you need to be sure that you are fully informed of your own rights and potential claims, to avoid an imbalance. Your partner's solicitor is instructed to act in their best interests, not yours. Using your own solicitor ensures that you get proper advice on the fairest settlement for yourself.

2. Answer all your questions.

You will have questions about your divorce, matters relating to dependent children, and the financial situation resulting from the breakdown of the marriage. Even with a great support network around you to help you through the procedure, everybody’s situation is different. Your friends experience and financial settlement may not be relevant to you. A solicitor can advise on your individual set of circumstances and the best outcome for you. They can answer your questions, no matter how basic they may feel they are.

3. Saving Time on paperwork

Our solicitors regularly complete court forms and understand exactly which form the court requires and what information needs to go on those forms. They understand the procedures, timescales and deadlines involved. Our team knows the process through years of experience and therefore your application will be processed by the court without the possibility of it being rejected as invalid or incomplete. This takes the onus off you in spending time researching the process, and perhaps misinterpreting what is required in bringing an application before the court.

4. Reduces Stress

Going through a divorce is incredibly stressful, even in amicable situations. Using a solicitor means you do not have to contact your spouse directly about issues which may cause tension between you. You have your solicitor as a buffer who will raise any potentially difficult issues on your behalf. Using a solicitor provides you with independent, realistic advice which puts matters into perspective, and helps reach an amicable agreement with your spouse without the stress of having to negotiate a potential minefield on your own.

5. Saves Money

Legal costs can be expensive, and that is obviously of concern to client's when deciding whether to instruct a solicitor. However, the costs of getting proper advice, and understanding your entitlement prevents you from potentially obtaining a financial settlement which is less than you are entitled to. There are many financial implications of getting divorced and you need to know the impact on you and your life. Your solicitor will help uncover any hidden assets or information which may influence the division of capital and income, including pension provision. It will also make the process quicker and prevent further claims in the future.

Of course, a divorce is not the end of the matter, just the end of the marriage. You also need to consider financial settlements and arrangements for any dependent children.

Our family team have a wealth of experience in all aspects of divorce and undertake regular updates to ensure they have the most up to date knowledge of developments in family law. Contact us today for a free 30-minute meeting to find out how we can help.