How to choose a divorce lawyer
Don’t Just Hire the First Name You Find
Choosing the right solicitor can shape the course of your divorce...
legally, financially, and emotionally.
It's not just about credentials.
It's about trust, strategy, and alignment.
You need someone who understands the legal landscape, but also your priorities.
Here are the questions you must ask before instructing anyone.
Don’t be shy...
you’re hiring them, not the other way around.
1. What Are Your Fees... and What Do They Cover?
This is non-negotiable. Find out:
Hourly rate
What’s included in the estimate
Whether you’ll be charged for emails, calls, admin
If VAT is added on top
Whether they bill monthly or at the end
Ask for an estimate for key stages... not a vague quote for the whole divorce.
A fixed fee for the petition might be fine, but the financial remedy stage is where costs spiral.
Also ask how they control costs.
Do they agree a cap?
Do they warn you before costs escalate?
2. Do You Prioritise Settlement or Litigation?
Some solicitors are deal-makers.
Some are litigators.
You want someone who knows when to settle and when to fight...
and isn’t afraid to do either.
Ask what percentage of their cases settle out of court.
Do they push for mediation or collaborative law?
Or do they often end up at final hearing?
Beware of extremes.
The overly aggressive ones drive up costs and delay resolution.
The passive ones cave in too early.
3. What’s Your Approach to Risk?
Divorce is full of uncertainty...
financial disclosure,
child arrangements,
the judge’s discretion.
You need someone with a clear view on risk and options.
Ask how they approach offers.
Will they tell you if you're being unrealistic?
Do they pressure you to settle quickly...
or drag things out?
Do they understand when to push and when to fold?
4. Who Will Actually Handle My Case?
You might meet a senior partner in the consultation... but then never hear from them again. Ask:
Who will be your day-to-day contact
How experienced they are
If work will be delegated to paralegals
How communication works (calls, emails, response times)
Request direct email and phone details. Clarity at the start avoids frustration later.
5. Can I See the Client Care Letter Before Signing?
This is the contract between you and the firm. It outlines:
Costs
Complaint procedure
Scope of work
Your rights
Don’t skim it. Check the hourly rates. Note how you can end the agreement if things go wrong. Ask for a copy in advance if possible.
6. What’s Your Initial Assessment of My Case?
A good solicitor should give you a realistic, evidence-based overview... not flattery.
Ask:
What is your opening position?
What outcome should I expect?
What challenges do you foresee?
What’s the likely timescale and cost?
If they tell you everything will go your way... that’s a red flag. You want honesty, not salesmanship.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need the most expensive solicitor. You need the right one. Someone strategic, experienced, and upfront about costs. Someone who listens and advises... not someone who dominates or drags things out for fees.
Choose wisely. Your future may depend on it.
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