The end of a relationship is always stressful, and it can be hard to work out how best to find the right advice and support.
Recent cuts to Legal Aid mean that very few people are not entitled to legal aid to cover the cost of legal advice on separation. However, this doesn’t meant that you cannot find affordable help.
Marjorie Taylor, of our family department, explains “At FDC Law , we offer an initial free consultation where we can provide you with basic information, and help you to decide the best way forward for you. We then offer a range of services, including our ‘Stepping Stones’ Pay As You Go option for divorce, which allows you to have as much, or as little, advice as you want, and to control your spending.”
There are many options available other than consulting a solicitor, but do take some time to check your options. Fixed fee and online options often appear cheaper than seeing a solicitor, at first glance, but it’s important to make sure that you are comparing like with like – many fixed fee offerings don’t include details of court fees or VAT in the prices quoted, or relate only to the divorce itself, not to any issues around children or finances.
At QualitySolicitors FDC Law we are happy to discuss with you what will best meet your needs, and to make sure you are kept informed of the costs throughout your case, so you don’t find yourself facing unexpected bills.
We are happy to provide you with support to deal with straightforward cases yourself, and will refer you to other services such as mediation when this is appropriate. We will also tell you if you are likely to be eligible for any help under the Legal Aid system. As a full service firm, QualitySolicitors FDC Law can also help you in dealing with other issues which may arise as a result of a divorce or separation, such as the need to make or update your will, or to sell your home or buy a new property.
Bear in mind that spending a little money to get proper, independent advice at the outset can ensure that you avoid making expensive mistakes. Did you know, for instance, that there is no such thing as a ‘Quickie Divorce’? That you should not pay to be given divorce papers to be filled in, as these are available free of charge from the Court? or that many cheap or online divorce ‘ providers’ are unregulated, giving you little chance of redress if anything goes wrong?
If you are facing a separation, or need advice about financial issues, or issues relating to children arising from a separation, contact Marjorie Taylor or Marion Fisher on 01671 417575 (Midsomer Norton or Keynsham) or 01373 469140 (Frome) for an initial free consultation, and for expert, friendly advice