How to choose the best divorce solicitor in Plymouth
Going through a divorce is emotional, draining and challenging – even if both parties agree to the split and the necessary division of assets. If aspects are contested, things are significantly more difficult. If you are in this situation, you want to ensure you have the right family lawyer on your side. It is also best to pick a solicitor who is local to you, so you can meet them face-to-face and have the legal and emotional support you need through this transition. So, how do you know which is the best divorce solicitor in Plymouth for you?
Look at experience and expertise
The first thing to identify is how much experience they have in family law in Plymouth, and in particular, divorce proceedings. Are they new to the sector or have they got years of experience under their belt?
Are they a solicitor or a lawyer? A solicitor is a protected title in the UK. For a legal professional to call themselves a solicitor, they must be fully qualified and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). ‘Family lawyer’ is more of an umbrella term used to describe legal representatives who are licensed and qualified to give legal advice in relation to family law matters. A family lawyer therefore has the potential to be either a solicitor, chartered legal executive or a barrister.
Remember to check that their expertise spans all areas of the divorce. Some areas are more complex, like the splitting of pensions, and you may need more skilled advice and guidance. Don’t be afraid to ask them about their qualifications and expertise – most credible practitioners will be pleased to assure you and give you all the information you need to make your decision.
Have others rated them as the best divorce solicitors in Plymouth?
Online reviews are incredibly helpful and can provide useful insight into real-life matters. Look at Google reviews, Facebook reviews, Review Solicitors and even the firms’ own websites for testimonials.
There are also helpful websites like Three Best Rated which give independent feedback. On this site, our head of team, Michelle Grove has been highlighted as a top three best divorce solicitor in Plymouth for many years.
Don’t forget to ask your friends and family too. They may have instructed a family lawyer in Plymouth in the past or, if they haven’t, then someone they know is very likely to have. They could provide some helpful advice and be able to direct you to who they believe is the best divorce solicitor in Plymouth.
Look at accreditations and legal rankings
Law firms are often accredited by third parties and evaluated by other organisations to ensure they offer the very best legal service.
At GA Solicitors for example, we have several members of the family law team accredited by Resolution. This is a national organisation of family lawyers committed to promoting a non-confrontational approach to resolving family disputes.
We are also included in the Law Society’s Children and Family Law panels and are recognised in leading legal directories Chambers & Partners UK and The Legal 500. These are not easy rankings to obtain, and a significant amount of research and client interviews are needed.
Transparency of fees
The best divorce solicitors in Plymouth will be open and honest about their fee structure, hourly rates and anything else which could affect how much you will need to pay. Ensure that they are clear from the outset and you know exactly where you stand.
And remember, if you want the best, they may not necessarily be the cheapest. As with most things, you get what you pay for, and you want to be confident that they have the knowledge to deliver and are able to dedicate the time that you need.
Do you feel comfortable with them?
This is very important and something no one else can tell you. You will be discussing potentially very intimate and personal experiences with this person or people. You have to trust them implicitly and know they are on your side.
In your first meeting, consider how they make you feel and whether they put you at ease. Are they empathetic and are you able to open up? If not, then they may not be the best divorce solicitor in Plymouth for you.
How GA Solicitors Can Help
At GA Solicitors, we understand that divorce is a personal and sensitive matter. Our team of experienced family lawyers will provide confidential and compassionate legal guidance tailored to your specific needs. We may be biased, but we really do believe we are the best divorce solicitors in Plymouth!
Arrange a confidential discussion with our team today by calling 01752 203500 or emailing enquiries@GAsolicitors.com.
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