What do you look for in a divorce/family solicitor?

[eyesbiggerthanstomach]

I am a family solicitor and am thinking of possibly setting up on my own. I am at senior associate level and am fed up waiting for partnership and anyway, am not at risk of redundancy.

I think the way firms will work moving forward will mean a traditional office may no longer be necessary. I would plan to work from home.

I wanted to gauge what people want from their divorce/family solicitor. I am based in the south east region (not London).

In particular:

• would it put you off that there is no office as such although meetings will take place at a serviced office as and when needed
• would it put you off that there is just one person working for the company (me)
• would it put you off that the firm is newly established

Is there anything else that would put you off instructing someone like me in this scenario? Also what is it in particular that you would be looking for when choosing a solicitor? I feel that the traditional firms are quite archaic with old school practices that can be streamlined.

Thanks

If you could demonstrate any expertise in getting a judge to consider emotional abuse/coercive control in cases of disputed child access arrangements I can think of at least two real-life friends who would love to work with you.

I have used a lawyer on my own divorce (and am also a lawyer who set up on my own working fro home in the 90s and still work like that).

For my divorce I only had a meeting twice with my solicitor so having a physical office did not really matter. I wanted someone who knew a lot about the law - that was my main requirement so anything that demonstrates they know all the cases , are 100% on top of everything, never miss a point and of course give pragmatic advice about settlement would be good.

I always felt I just needed the crumbs of work dropped from the tables as it were of the massive City firm where I used to work to have enough to be viable and that has been so. Even if 99/100 would only instruct a city firm the 1% who are happy to use me is more than enough work.

Thanks @Xenia that's helpful. My worry with family work is that it's hard to have a following but I won't need many clients to actually earn more than I do now.

Also bumping in case anyone else can add to this! Thanks