Ringrose Law offer tips on how to get the best legal advice on separation

The legal aspects can seem daunting, especially when you’re worried about the potential costs involved.

However, it is possible to get the best legal advice without breaking the bank.

With some practical steps and the right support, you can navigate this difficult period effectively and efficiently. In this article, we’ll explore how you can manage your separation and ensure you receive quality legal advice while keeping costs under control.

Key Points

1. Do Not Panic: You can help yourself. You do not need a lawyer to do all the work, unless you want to, of course.

2. Seek Early Legal Advice: A recent Law Society survey confirmed that on average, 1 in 4 people who received early legal advice had resolved their problem within 3-4 months compared to 9 months for those who did not take such advice.

3. Utilise Free Initial Consultations: Some solicitors offer a free initial consultation, usually as a telephone call. While this can help initially, separation and divorce can be difficult and complex, so such a telephone call might not cover everything you need to know.

4. Fixed Fee Initial Appointments: Here at Ringrose Law, we offer a fixed fee initial appointment. This can either be at home, work, or in one of our offices, entirely at your convenience. You complete a questionnaire before the appointment, which allows us to provide bespoke advice to your circumstances, and we provide our advice in writing afterwards.

5. Receive Comprehensive Advice: We can provide you with options as to the best way to proceed.

6. Flag Important Considerations: We can highlight things you might not have thought about, such as reviewing your wills, getting a power of attorney, protecting your interests in the assets of your marriage, getting independent financial advice, and reviewing your household bills.

7. Discuss and Reach Settlements: You can discuss things with your spouse/partner and try to reach a settlement between yourselves. We call this “kitchen discussions,” as sometimes a couple sits at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee to work through things and reach an agreement.

8. Legal Review of Agreements: If you reach an agreement, you should take legal advice as to the fairness or otherwise of the agreement you have reached.

9. Judicial Approval: Remember, any agreement must be approved by a judge as being fair before it can be implemented.

10. Support Throughout the Process: If you cannot reach an agreement, here at Ringrose Law, we can advise, help, and support you along the way to help you reach an agreement, including preparing any court documents as and when necessary.

Conclusion

Going through a separation or divorce is never easy, but you don’t have to navigate it alone or worry about exorbitant legal fees.

At Ringrose Law, we are committed to providing you with the support and guidance you need to make informed decisions and reach a fair resolution. Contact us today to schedule your initial appointment and take the first step towards a smoother, more manageable process. Call 01636 594460 or visit ringroselaw.co.uk and speak to Nick from our Family Law Team.