Help in finding an good/sympathetic divorce solicitor in North London

[Frooty]

My solicitor is too harsh and I want to change solicitors. She's made some careless and patronising remarks, is pushy, plastic and makes me feel small. If I resist following what she wants me to do she makes me feel silly and pathetic, but I won't back down, I know what is right for me. I don't feel comf putting my future in her hands. Is that a good enough reason to change solicitors. Also is there a procedure for changing solicitors?

I had a breakdown a few months back and my marriage had a history of domestic violence which has has made me v timid. I have disagreed with some of Sols proposals saying my mental health is too low to cope with the consequences/fallout, but she pushes the law hard and isn't interested in my MH ("I'm not a counsellor" + plastic smile ). I also rang her recently in a state about xp receiving the initial divorce notification letter and she said "well, if you haven't got the bottle at this stage ...". When a woman is leaving a violent (or ex-violent partner) she is often in the greatest danger and DV sites support this statement. So I didn't welcome my sols comment at all. I think my mental health is my top priority. Also have to be mentally strong for 2 Ds's.

I have depression which has been severe lately because I want to progress divorce but Sol isn't working out for me. I need a friendly, patient solicitor. Can anyone recommend a lovely solicitor in North London who charges reasonable fees. Thanks.

cany help, but bumping for you.

Thanks AuntyMandy, I've been on a wave of stress since posting. A recommendation is prob the best thing and will save me stress and time hunting. If anyone has any leads please let me know.

If you hadn't stated Londong I would have recomended my boss - unless you want to travel to Hampshire!!

Hi, I'm a divorce lawyer but couldn't act for you as I'm not in your area. All good divorce lawyers are members of Resolution, which is the professional association of family lawyers. Their website is www.resolution.org.uk and you can put your home town in to find some local solicitors. Before you change, try meeting a couple and see which you feel most comfortable with. A good lawyer for you would be one who is sympathetic to your history of domestic violence, but still firm enough to stand up to your ex husband and his solicitor. Most sols will offer a free half hour and only after you've met 2 or 3 do you need to make a decision. It doesn't sound as though you've got very far with the proceedings, so now would be a good time to swap. Once you've chosen your new solicitor, he or she will get you to write a note of authority for the transfer of your file. As long as you're up to date with your costs, your current solicitor has no option but to transfer the file immediately to the new solicitors and you will not have to have any contact or explain why you are not happy.
Alternatively, you could have a word with your current solicitor's department head and see whether you can be transferred to another solicitor within the practice. If it was me, I'd be going for the first option.

I presume that you're not publically funded and you should expect to pay about £150 per hour for an experienced legal executive up to about £180per hour for a solicitor with at least 5 years post qualification experience. If your case is not complex, you may get a less experienced (but still very competent) lawyer for £140 per hour. Good luck.