There are many things to figure out and do when preparing for divorce. Finding the right solicitor amongst the many Family Law Solicitors in the UK is one of them.
A good and trusted McKenzie friend can also help you to find the right family law solicitor in London for you. There are many experienced McKenzie friends out there that know the process you are about to encounter and therefore able to best advise you accordingly.
The legality of divorce simply ends your marriage. However, when you open ‘that’ door one quickly realizes that there are many other intricate and emotional assets that needs sorting out before the matter is ‘absolute’. There are finances, the family home, where and with whom the children should live etc. These are all issues that are most likely to cause high levels of emotional, financial, and mental stress. It is therefore crucial that you find a family lawyer that is right for you.
We highly recommend that you spend some time researching the divorce process first. A lot is involved whether you are seeking a McKenzie friend London or a family law solicitor in London. Understanding the UK family law court system is complicated. If you know what to expect you are less likely to feel ambushed by the process making your life feel easier.
Part of the research is naturally to seek any pre divorce advice you can get from family and friends who have gone through the process already. The worst thing you can do is to bury your head in the sand hoping the situation will magically resolve itself. Building a support network along with finding emotional outlet are both key. Divorce is an emotional game changer and being prepared will hold you in good stead when looking around for Family Law Solicitors in UK.
As there are lots of Family Law Solicitors in the UK, how do you choose who will be the best for you? Which one is going to be able to give you the best advice in the worst of times? Every family is unique, we live complex lives, and ultimately if children are involved you want the best outcome for them.
There are many factors to consider when looking amongst Family Law Solicitors in UK.
There are online sites such as Top 10 Family Law Solicitors in the UK (reviewsolicitors.co.uk) and
Family in London | Law firm and lawyer rankings from The Legal 500 United Kingdom – Solicitors guide which can help you do a more thorough search of who are most respected on a national or local level. The more kudos they have the higher hourly rate of course. Only go for a top solicitor if your asset pot justifies it. Among the top 23 list of best family law solicitors UK rates at £5000 for an initial session is not uncommon. Here is a list of the top 23 (For rates add VAT):
- FIONA SHACKLETON
Hourly rate: £850 plus £5,000 for an initial meeting www.phb.co.uk
- SIMON BRUCE
Hourly rate: £590 / www.farrer.co.uk
- STEPHENFOSTER
Hourly rate: POA / www.stewartslaw.com
- CATHERINE COSTLEY
Hourly rate: £300-£400 / www.phb.co.uk
- SANDRA DAVIS
Hourly rate: POA/ www.mishcon.com
- EMMA HATLEY
Hourly rate: POA / www.stewartslaw.com
- CATHERINE THOMAS
Hourly rate: £375 / www.bortoftbell.com
- JULIAN LIPSON
Hourly rate: £615 / www.withersworldwide.com
- DIANA PARKER
Hourly rate: £705 / www.withersworldwide.com
- REBECCA CARLYON
Hourly rate: £410 / www.penningtons.co.uk
- FRANCES HUGHES
Hourly rate £675 / www.hfclaw.com
- DEBBIE CHISM
Hourly rate: POA / www.stewartslaw.com
- CLAIRE GORDON
Hourly rate: £480 / www.farrer.co.uk
- WILLIAM LONGRIGG
Hourly rate: Over £500 / www.charlesrussellspeechlys.com
- HELEN WARD
Hourly rate: POA / www.stewartslaw.com
- RACHAEL KELSEY
Hourly rate: POA / www.sko-family.co.uk
- DAVID HODSON
Hourly rate: Mediation and arbitration is £400 and legal work is £575 / www.iflg.uk.com
- PHILIPPA DOLAN
Hourly rate: £425 / www.collyerbristow.com
- SARAH HIGGINS
Hourly rate: POA / www.charlesrussellspeechlys.com
- CLAIRE YORKE
Hourly rate: POA / www.mishcon.com
- DAVID ALLISON
Hourly rate: £435 / www.flip.co.uk
- JAMES STEWART
Hourly rate: £540 / www.penningtons.co.uk
- CLAIRE HAMILTON-RUSSELL
Hourly rate: POA / www.chrsolicitors.com
Regardless, whether you go for a high-street solicitor or a top city firm the general rule of thumb is that they should at the very least offer you the combination of excellent customer service and best legal advice. Listening to your concerns and priorities to find the best tailormade solutions for you, must be a given. Good family law solicitors uk need to have, because of the modern diverse and complex family set up, a progressive way of working with a focus on reaching earlier out of court settlements. When speaking to Family Law Solicitors in UK dig into dynamics of the firm such as their ethos; is there a strong commercial billing culture? (not good!) Does the solicitor come across as happy in his/her work? How diverse do you feel the firm is?
Whoever you choose to partner up with for your divorce, they should be able to show you a clear vision of how all the different elements of your divorce fits. With their help you should be better equipped to see the wood for the trees. Although it is you that give the final instructions, the recommended solution is a collaborative one. Together, you should feel and work as a powerhouse!
If you are in a situation where you have spent a vast amount on solicitors and barristers already and not got anywhere, it is time to consider other options. A trusted McKenzie friend London may be the right solution for you rather than a family solicitor in London. You need someone who can protect you and your assets fiercely where court proceedings are required.
