Do you need a solicitor?
A solicitor manages your case from start to finish — advising you on the law, drafting documents, corresponding with the other side, and guiding you through the court process if it comes to that. For most people going through a divorce involving finances or children, having a solicitor at least for initial advice is strongly recommended.
If your split is amicable and straightforward, you may be able to handle the divorce application yourself and only use a solicitor for a consent order on finances. If there is any dispute — over children, the family home, pensions, or maintenance — a specialist solicitor will protect your position and help you avoid costly mistakes.
What to look for
Specialisation in family law. Look for a solicitor whose practice is exclusively or predominantly family law. A general high street firm that does conveyancing, wills, and family law as one of several departments is unlikely to have the depth of experience of a dedicated family practice.
Resolution membership. Resolution is a national organisation of family lawyers committed to a non-confrontational approach. Members sign up to a code of practice that prioritises resolving issues constructively and with minimum conflict. This doesn’t mean they won’t fight your corner — it means they’ll focus on what actually matters for you and your family.
Legal 500 rankings. The Legal 500 independently surveys clients and peers every year to identify the leading firms and individuals in each region. Tier 1 is the highest ranking. A ranked solicitor isn’t automatically right for your case, but rankings are a reliable starting filter.
Relevant experience. Ask directly: how many cases similar to mine have you dealt with in the last two years? If your case involves a business, offshore assets, a pension dispute, or international elements, you need a solicitor who has handled those issues before, not one learning on the job.
Who will actually handle your case. The person you meet at the initial consultation may not be the person who handles your case day-to-day. Ask who your day-to-day contact will be, their seniority, and whether the senior solicitor you met will supervise the work.
How solicitors are regulated
All solicitors in England and Wales are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The SRA sets standards for professional conduct and maintains a public register of authorised solicitors.
Before instructing anyone, verify they are on the SRA register: sra.org.uk/consumers/register. If a solicitor is not on the register, do not instruct them.
If a solicitor behaves improperly, you can complain to the Legal Ombudsman, which handles complaints about legal services.
Where to search
- Law Society Find a Solicitor — the official directory of all authorised solicitors in England and Wales. Filter by location and family law specialism.
- Resolution Find a Member — solicitors who have committed to a non-confrontational approach to family law.
- Legal 500 — independent rankings of the leading firms and individuals by region.
Your first meeting
Most firms offer a free or reduced-cost initial consultation. Come prepared with a clear account of your situation and, if possible, bring:
- Your marriage certificate
- Recent financial information — mortgage statements, payslips, pension valuations, bank statements
- Any relevant correspondence from your spouse or their solicitor
- A sense of what outcome you are hoping for
Use the meeting to assess both their legal knowledge and whether you can work with them over what could be months of proceedings. At the end, ask for a written cost estimate, a realistic timescale, and how they will keep you updated.
Costs
Solicitors typically charge by the hour, with rates varying significantly by location and seniority. London rates are higher than regional rates; senior partners charge more than junior solicitors. Ask for an estimate in writing at the outset, and ask specifically what events would require that estimate to be revised upwards.
Some solicitors offer fixed fees for defined work — an initial consultation, a consent order, a specific letter. For more complex contested matters, hourly billing is standard.
Legal aid for family law is now limited to cases involving domestic abuse or child protection. If you think you might be eligible, see our legal aid guide or use the government’s legal aid checker.
Alternatives to full solicitor representation
If cost is a concern, consider:
- Mediation — resolving disputes with the help of a neutral mediator, often faster and cheaper than court. See our guide to mediation.
- Collaborative law — you and your spouse each have a solicitor, but everyone commits to resolving matters without going to court.
- Fixed-fee unbundled services — paying a solicitor for specific tasks only (reviewing documents, attending a single hearing) rather than full representation.
- McKenzie Friend — a non-legally qualified person who can assist you in court, though they cannot speak for you.