10 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Family Solicitor

At some point in life, most people need to hire a lawyer. Whether you’re incorporating a new business or going through a complicated divorce, it’s imperative to find the right lawyer for the purpose. Hiring an incompatible lawyer might result in legal repercussions that could further strain your situation.

The role of family law solicitors is broader than just offering legal advice and guidance. They also form a part of your support system during these testing times. In this post, we’re sharing some common mistakes people make when hiring a family solicitor.

Not Looking at Options

Don’t make the mistake of hiring the first lawyer you come across. Even if you are in a pressing situation, take your time to check out all the options you have. Usually, it takes time and effort to find a good lawyer, especially if you’ve never hired one before. So, don’t rush and thoroughly analyse your options.

Not Doing Research

Thoroughly research before hiring a lawyer. From getting referrals to cross-checking with the local bar association, gather as much information as you can. Talking to lawyers’ past clients and verifying information will help you establish their credibility.

Hiring Someone with Little Experience

Hiring someone who is fresh out of law school might be a cheaper option, but not necessarily the best. If things escalate and the case goes to court, you need a solicitor with adequate courtroom experience. An experienced solicitor is likely to have a better grasp of how things work in the outside world. For instance, if you’re seeking legal advice in the UK then hire a solicitor experienced with the land’s law.

Blindly Relying on Recommendations

Your friends, family and work colleagues can be a good source of recommendations. However, just because a lawyer was suitable for their case doesn’t mean it would be the same for yours. You should look for someone who has the knowledge and experience to handle your case.

Not Visiting Law Offices

Initially, you can discuss your requirements over the phone or emails. But don’t hire a lawyer before meeting them in person. Also, visiting their offices is a good idea. An unorganised, mismanaged office is a huge red flag. In such cases, you must look for another lawyer who works with professionalism.

Failing to Check the Reviews

These days the internet is your saving grace in many ways, including finding all about a solicitor. Go through the reviews to learn about other clients’ experiences. This is an excellent way to gauge a solicitor’s capabilities and work ethic.

Hiring an Unsupportive Solicitor

Yes, the foremost job of a lawyer is to provide you with legal advice. But other than that they should be patient and supportive. Going through a divorce or a custody battle is exhausting and difficult. You need a lawyer who’s sympathetic to your situation.

Not Discussing the Fees in Advance

Hiring lawyers is never cheap. Therefore, you should always inquire about their fees. From copy charges to retainer fees, make sure there aren’t any hidden costs you’re that unaware about.

Selecting a Lawyer who Takes Ages to Respond

When you’re battling a case in which time is of the essence, your lawyer should be quick to respond. Before hiring a lawyer, make sure they have the time and resources to fully commit to your case.

Not Trusting your Gut Feeling

When it comes to finding a well-suited lawyer, you should trust your intuition. A lawyer could be perfect on paper, but if your gut tells you otherwise then you should look for another. You have to spend a lot of time and share personal information with this person, it should be someone you feel comfortable with.

If you want your case to go without a hitch, it’s crucial to hire a reputable lawyer. We hope this post helps you avoid mistakes and find the right lawyer.