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Divorce/separation

Solicitor confusion

9 replies

0hgosh · 20/03/2017 17:24

I wonder if anyone can help me.
It's probably been asked a million times but how do I find a good solicitor for a divorce?
I have one but they just seem a bit negative (is that usual for a solicitor). I emailed another but they said costs could go to 30k if it ends up in court which scared me off.
Ideally I would like a fixed fee, good honest solicitor who is fair and won't make me feel unreasonable. Is that the holy grail of solicitors?
Any advice or recommendations? I am in Buckinghamshire.
Thanks

OP posts:

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Hermonie2016 · 20/03/2017 17:34

I really think you need to visit a few solicitors to get comfortable.I saw 4 over various years and when I met my now solicitor I felt comfortable.
For me her approach is empathic but business like.
Sadly the 30k estimate doesn't feel wrong! I've been given estimates of 25k so not far away.

I doubt you will get fixed fee as it depends on your ex's approach.Most solicitors do a fixed fee for actual divorce but not financial or child contact as it's too variable.
Do you feel your ex will be totally unreasonable?

If so mediation will not work but you need to go through it before applying to court.

Whilst 30k is a lot of money it depends on the assets and salaries, ages of children ex.My friend spent 25k but got that back as the judge awarded more over a longer period.

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MrsBertBibby · 20/03/2017 17:45

£30K is the likely cost if your case goes all the way to final hearing. Most cases settle at an interim stage, and costs aren't therefore as high.

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MrsBertBibby · 20/03/2017 18:05

Use this page

www.resolution.org.uk/memberSearch.asp?page_id=45

To search to Resolution accredited specialists in your area.

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CocoaLeaves · 20/03/2017 18:11

Yes, £25-30k is what I was quoted if it goes to a final hearing. Mind you, I spent £20k in a failed collaborative process, so I kind of think the money is better spent getting a result.

You do not have to go with the first solicitor you meet, though. I have spoken to five over the time this has all dragged on. I am most happy with my current one.

What approach is best for your circumstances? Mediation, collaborative or litigation? Answer that question first, and then look at solicitors.

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Hermonie2016 · 20/03/2017 18:14

MrsBB, good to know.

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MrsBertBibby · 20/03/2017 18:25

£20K on a failed collaboration! Ouch, cocoa.

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CocoaLeaves · 20/03/2017 18:53

It is a cautionary tale indeed Bibby. I would not recommend it to anyone, but it seems to be the thing.

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babybarrister · 21/03/2017 08:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

0hgosh · 21/03/2017 12:36

Wow, thanks for all the replys.
I will contact another couple of solicitors then I think. I know they need to be realistic but you sometimes need a bit of hope and that they get what you are saying I think.

I have got us to Nisi stage and have done mediation previously which he now disagrees with (and doesn't seem to want to go back).

I was thinking of heading to court but based on those costs I just can't afford it. Has anyone use a pro-bono company to help with court?

Unfortunately, his basis for everything though is that I am a cow so it tends to cloud his perspective and therefore any negotiation. I want to be fair but he just wants to win. Doesn't help for a collaborative approach.