Q: My husband wants a divorce without using a solicitor. I think he will use my emotional vulnerability to try and get what he wants. I would feel safer using a solicitor but am terrified of the cost. Will it be possible for a solicitor to tell me up front what it would cost? And are there things I can do to keep costs down?
A: You are certainly doing the right thing by asking questions about the process ahead of making an appointment to see a solicitor. This is something many people who are in an already distressed state often don’t think to do, yet it is important because, as the old saying goes, ‘time is money’. Providing as much information as possible at the outset can save time.
Your solicitor’s time is of course not the only cost involved. There may also be things such as court application fees, valuations, mediation sessions etc. However, a good solicitor will be transparent about costs at the outset even if they cannot predict an exact figure. Whilst each party in a divorce usually pays their own legal fees, sometimes a partner who cannot afford them may be eligible to apply for their partner to pay via a Legal Services Order.
There will be periods of time when you can expect not to hear from your solicitor. This could be due to such as court backlogs, delays in receiving reports, or actions (or indeed non-actions) of the other party. So, ask at the outset how often you might receive updates and how best to communicate. Most solicitors prefer email these days, as if you call they may be unavailable due to being in meetings with other clients.
Using a solicitor is preferable if you want the best financial outcome in your divorce settlement. Further, their support and guidance can boost your confidence in facing the next stage of your life.
This question has been answered by Jessica Owen, a Solicitor with GHP Legal. If you would like to speak to someone about this or any other legal matter, please visit our website www.ghplegal.com and use the contact us form, or call us on: Wrexham 01978 291456, Llangollen 01978 860313, Oswestry 01691 659194
