Is a free 30 minute session with a solicitor still a thing?

[Anjelika]

A friend of a friend has recommended a divorce solicitor so I tried to arrange an initial call with the solicitor, only to be told they can see me in person or on-line for an initial 1 hour appointment at the cost of £240 plus VAT.

It's a few years since I last needed the services of a family solicitor but back then they all seemed to offer an initial free half hour. Is it worth me ringing round or has that died a death now?

AFAIK it was always dependent on the solicitor if they wanted to offer that or not; I don't think they were obliged to. Have checked out the CAB advice and looks like you need to ring around and ask if they do it

Getting advice for free or a fixed fee

Some solicitors give 30 minutes' legal advice for free. Some offer a fixed fee - that way you'll know in advance what the advice will cost. You can call a solicitor's office and ask if they offer a free half hour or a fixed fee.

A free or fixed-fee appointment can help you find out your rights and legal position. It's a good way to find out whether it's worth taking someone else to court or if you have a case that's worth defending.

I did have one about 3 years ago but they were very specific it was general advice only and could not go into specifics about my circumstances. It was still useful though.

To be fair ime they didn't really offer any advice, it was more a getting to know you and your circumstances type meeting. The meetings were so vague and they just outlined the divorce process (which you can find out via Google).

The good ones are sufficiently in demand that they don't have to offer their time for free.

I've had a quick look online at local solicitors and can't find any that are advertising an initial free 30 mins consultation. I found one that offers a free initial chat up to 15 mins and after that their fees are a much more reasonable £125 per hour. Can I ask what people on here would consider a reasonable hourly rate for a divorce solicitor? At least then I can phone round a few tomorrow and get prices. The one recommended to me will work out at nigh on £300 per hour after VAT.

wikivorce offer fixed fee services and their forums are full of good info so you can save yourself a lot of money by doing the research yourself. You also dont need a solicitor to divorce this can all be done online for a fixed fee. Not sure how much it is now but my DP paid £593

I had two freebies last year before I decided on which company to use. Neither were quick to get rid of me after the thirty minutes and both provided valuable information.