Ever wondered why solicitors are so essential even if they are expensive? It is because without them you might not get exactly what you want from your divorce. You might think that your divorce is amicable yet to file your papers, to ensure legal division of the assets, and to get a legal binding of child custody agreement you need a solicitor.
What Does a Solicitor Do?
The first task that any solicitor would perform is to counsel his/her client and make a clear outline of what could be expected by the client out of the case.
A solicitor does most of the work in a divorce, from giving advice regarding the prospect of success, to preparing documents, drafting letters, fielding phone calls and attending hearings. Though a solicitor is most definitely not a counsellor but s/he is often used as one by their regulars.
Role in the Court
Solicitors perform most of the “advocacy”. The term means representing your case to the judge. In divorce cases involving financial issues and children, the solicitor has to file the statement and be present at all the procedural activities that would take place in the state courts supervised by the district judge. These appointments are indispensable because they ensure that delaying is prevented.
They would also try to negotiate with the other solicitor to find if any general ground could be reached.
Solicitor plays a significant role as a mediator. For the best possible result, he/she operates on behalf of the client. They make sure that all the necessary particulars of the divorce have been planned upon and they file the documents to make the separation final and legal.
Depending upon your comfort, the solicitor would either represent you in the court or would act as a intermediary. You and your spouse would negotiate through your solicitors. This can help in keeping each one of you calm and level headed even in the midst of a heated argument.
As a solicitor plays a very important role in a divorce, people often cannot think about the expenses. But the money one spends has to be worth it. There are number of solicitors competing for a business and it could be quite tricky to make a well-versed selection. Unless you choose the one who fits your bill, you might regret later.
How to Choose Your Solicitor
- Word of mouth could be the best and most reliable method while choosing a solicitor. Your co-workers, friends and relatives might have heard someone talking about their divorce solicitor’s proficiency. As these are based on personal experiences, it could be very useful in choosing your solicitor.
- Strike other Sources- yellow pages, searching online and citizen’s advice bureau could provide with a lot of useful information. It would also help you to get the contacts of solicitors in your location. Select the ones whom you think are most professional.
- After completing your list of half a dozen solicitors who focus on divorce cases and family laws in your locality, narrow down your option.
- Visit the solicitor of your choice and discuss your case in detail. Enquire about all the information that you would want to know about the solicitor such as his experience, the kind of cases that he specialises, the kind of support he provides, his role as a mediator, the complexity of your case according to him, their office hours and his time estimation for the completion of your case. Another most important matter to be discussed is the fee that is going to be charged. Be very clear in this issue; ask if they have a fixed rate for various services or if they charge on hourly basis. Under any circumstance, do not choose a solicitor who doesn’t fit under your budget, irrespective of their reputation and proficiency.
- Based on your experience in the visit, choose the solicitor with whom you’re comfortable discussing your private matters. See if the staff is good to you, the distance between your place and the solicitor’s office and of course the fee.
The same solicitor in no way could represent both the parties even if the divorce is uncontested because it would be against the purpose of having a solicitor. Irrespective of the case or its magnitude, one always fails to realise that solicitors make merry when the case gets complicated and nastier. This is why people tell you to have a rein on the proceedings of your case. Think diligently and act swiftly.
