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Legal matters

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have any legal concerns we suggest you consult a solicitor.

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Original poster

Where/how do I get just a little bit of legal advice over the phone?

42 replies

TheOrigFV45 · 23/07/2018 10:12

I have been unable to contact my regular solicitor.

I need some legal advice. I don't have the £ for full legal representation - I just want an hour or so to ask questions and get advice from someone who know about family law before I go to Court.

Is this something solicitors offer? If so, how do I go about accessing that?

OP posts:

Collaborate · 23/07/2018 12:22

Most solicitors will offer a fixed fee initial interview. Ring around and see what you can get. Where, roughly, are you?

Caribbeanyesplease · 23/07/2018 12:24

Legal expenses insurance sometimes included in your home insurance

I paid for it to be added on, £24 and entitles to speak with a lawyer over the phone 24 hours a day availability

Original poster

TheOrigFV45 · 23/07/2018 12:26

Cambridge/Essex/Suffolk border.

I'm sad my old sol has changed firms and it means I need to go through about 20 mins of questions from switch board to just ask if I can contact her (and no method of contact has been successful). She knows my case very, very well.

OP posts:

Caribbeanyesplease · 23/07/2018 12:29

On that case, such up the 20 mins

JustAnotherLawyer · 23/07/2018 12:29

Just call a few, or look online. They'll still want to confirm your identity and it will still cost you a fee.

Or, you could try JustAnswer - there are a couple of family lawyers on there who give excellent advice (and many who do not!) and may be able to offer you a premium service for a phone call. (I do not work for JustAnswer!).

Caribbeanyesplease · 23/07/2018 12:29

suck

ajandjjmum · 23/07/2018 12:31

Look up your old solicitor on Linkedin or Facebook and message her?

Collaborate · 23/07/2018 12:32

Legal expenses insurance sometimes included in your home insurance No hope insurance policies provide cover for family law.

OP - google your old solicitor's name, or track them down on the findasolicitor parr of the law society site.

NameChange30 · 23/07/2018 12:35

Just Google your old solicitor or look them up on LinkedIn

There is also the free Rights of Women Family law helpline

Your local Citizens Advice should have a list of local solicitors including those offering a free or low cost initial consultation

Original poster

TheOrigFV45 · 23/07/2018 12:38

I emailed her personal work address, she hasn't replied. That's when I called to ask whether she was available. I fully accept if she is unable to (for whatever reason) or doesn't want to (again for whatever reason), I just want to know.

I was already told last week that they would look into it and that someone would get back to me. How long do I keep trying? I need to cut my loses and try something else - hearing is 3rd Aug.

OP posts:

Xenia · 23/07/2018 12:43

If you email her or their new business department and say you would like to pay for an hour of her time at her currently hourly rate provided the call can be booked by middle of this week (and that she know she background and has all the papers) they would probably get back to you (they will need to do an ID check on you before then but that's not hard).

Might her last firm though have some rule she cannot take old clients with her and that is the issue?

Original poster

TheOrigFV45 · 23/07/2018 12:53

That's what I did. She has already given me advice since she moved firms.

It might just be that she's on leave, which is obviously fine, I just want to know. I've been through the ID check twice.

OP posts:

Original poster

TheOrigFV45 · 23/07/2018 12:56

There is also the free Rights of Women Family law helpline

In the years I have been seeking legal advice I have never once got through to them. Not a single time. I know they are a charity and obviously under huge demand (sadly), but I have just made myself cry with frustration trying to get through.

OP posts:

Xenia · 23/07/2018 13:40

She may just be really busy. if I am (i am a lawyer but don't do family law) I would usually just email back and say I am really busy and will be able to get back to you by xyz date..

Some solicitors will provide chargeable advice by phone. I was due to have a telephone conference call today with a client until they decided not to call.... and disappear off the face of the earth.... may be just try calling some family law firms. Some people also stick with one firm but get a second opnion from another. Some use a direct access family law barrister too - I know someone doing this - not all barristers will take that work; the problem with getting a new person is it will take them an hour just to read the papers and know the case so it is much betetr if you can stick with your normal lady instead.

Beefychops · 23/07/2018 13:44

Are you in a union? My union gives free initial legal consultations with their solicitors. Doesn't have to be work related.

Doyoumind · 23/07/2018 13:46

I think you should keep pushing to speak to your previous solicitor. It would be a waste of money to go to someone else as they won't know the history. Also, you might find they aren't great. I only found a good one after several tries so if you trust your old one I would say that's your best bet. I've had that experience of trying to get past the switchboard. Is there a secretary you can talk to if you can't contact the solicitor directly?

Doyoumind · 23/07/2018 13:48

You have to choose exactly the right time of day to get through to Rights of Women. I spoke to them several years ago and to be honest they couldn't give me what I needed and only gave very basic information.

riceandpeas123 · 23/07/2018 20:08

The law society website will show you whether she has moved to a new firm. Google "find a solicitor" then click their link, do a professional search and put in her details. Hope you get it sorted!

Original poster

TheOrigFV45 · 23/07/2018 20:25

I know where she is and emailed her last week, twice. No reply. Sorry, I'm not being clear.

OP posts:

NameChange30 · 23/07/2018 20:31

She might just be on holiday. If she’s at a new firm you could try calling her secretary or a receptionist and ask if anyone else is available.

Or just ask around for recommendations for someone else.

Original poster

TheOrigFV45 · 23/07/2018 20:42

Yes, she might be on hols and that's fine, though I would expect an out of office reply.

I have tried to contact her via the firms phone number and web contact form; I can't see another way.

OP posts:

Original poster

TheOrigFV45 · 25/07/2018 11:23

What do I need to do to get some sodding advice?!

I went back to the firm my solicitor was at, sent email to someone that looked good and local, no reply, called the next day, spoke to another chap who said it would be best to wait for person 1 to get back to me.

They haven't.

It is because I've said I'm representing myself (what with not having a few grand sitting about) and just want an hour or so of their time?

It's really making a stressful situation much worse. I KNOW it's down to me to help myself and I'm trying but I could really do with someone being on my side.

Rant over

OP posts:

Melliegrantfirstlady · 25/07/2018 11:27

Ask on here

There are solicitors

Look for Mrs Bert bibby

Original poster

TheOrigFV45 · 25/07/2018 11:36

I have previously, and MrsB has been really generous in her advice.
I can't keep asking.

OP posts:

Original poster

TheOrigFV45 · 25/07/2018 11:49

OK, new sol just called. She can't help me for anything less than £700 because she (quite rightly) needs to read my old case notes etc.

I'm on my own then. My DS deserves better than that.

OP posts:

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