Are there any lovely solicitors on here, who are in the know on family law please

[McPheelingTheSpring]

I'd be ever so grateful

And if you are reading this, darling ex, up yours

Barristers fees tend to include the hearing and waiting time, whereas solicitors tend to charge by the hour. If you do use someone through the direct access scheme you should expect the 'brief fee' to cover the barrister's prep time, taking your instructions and the hearing. Confirm this with their clerk.