post written by a retired solicitor advocate
Getting divorced?
Worried about solicitors' fees?
Perhaps you have already instructed a solicitor and watched your savings disappear.
Letters.
Emails.
Telephone calls.
Meetings.
And bills.
More bills.
But you still do not understand what is happening.
There is another option.
And it does not involve spending thousands on full legal representation.
Do You Actually Need a Solicitor?
Not necessarily.
In England and Wales, you can represent yourself in divorce and family court proceedings.
You can complete your own forms.
Prepare your own documents.
Negotiate with your ex.
And attend court yourself.
You are known as a litigant in person.
But just because you are representing yourself does not mean you have to manage everything without advice.
You can obtain independent legal advice on particular issues without instructing a solicitor to run your entire case.
That is the alternative many people do not realise exists.
What Is Independent Family Law Advice?
It means getting help with the legal issues you do not understand.
Without committing to ongoing representation.
You may need advice about:
Your financial settlement.
Your ex's Form E.
Pension sharing.
Spousal maintenance.
Child arrangements.
Preparing a witness statement.
Making a settlement offer.
Or understanding what will happen at your next hearing.
You may need someone experienced to explain the law, assess your options and help you work out a strategy.
You do not necessarily need a firm handling every piece of correspondence.
Of course, some cases require a practising solicitor or barrister, particularly where formal representation or reserved legal work is involved.
But many people simply need experienced advice.
How I Can Help
I am a former solicitor advocate with over 20 years' experience in family law.
I previously ran my own law firm.
I now provide independent family law advice to people throughout England and Wales.
I work directly with clients who want practical guidance without the cost of full solicitor representation.
I can help you understand your legal position.
Identify what matters.
Prepare for negotiations.
Understand court paperwork.
And decide what to do next.
I will also tell you when something is not worth pursuing.
Because there is no point spending thousands fighting an argument you are unlikely to win.
What Does It Cost?
My one-hour Strategy Call costs £195, including written advice afterwards.
We discuss your circumstances.
Your concerns.
Your options.
And your next steps.
You then have written advice to refer back to.
No ongoing contract.
No obligation to instruct me for further work.
Just focused advice when you need it.
Final Thought
You do not have to choose between an expensive solicitor and managing your divorce completely alone.
There is another way.
Get experienced advice.
Understand your options.
And take control of your own case.
Book my £195 Strategy Call and find out how I can help you move forward.
for straightforward, strategic advice from a former solicitor advocate.