There are many reasons you may need to see a solicitor, from seeking general advice to specific events such as a house purchase, making a will, a divorce, or setting up a business.
Finding a solicitor is straightforward and it is important to remember that if you are not happy with the service provided, you can always make a change.
By making an initial enquiry, you can satisfy yourself that the solicitor is someone you feel comfortable speaking to and that they have the expertise you need.
Documentation
Your first port of call will probably be a firm that is local to you and easy to access; for example, if you are based in the South West or The Cotswolds, you will find a range of Gloucester solicitors such as www.deeandgriffin.co.uk/.
Once you have chosen your solicitor, you will need to make an appointment for a face-to-face meeting. At this point, it is important to explain your needs and to check what documentation you should take with you for your first meeting.
As a new client, the solicitor will have to carry out identification checks. These are legal requirements on their part, as they must ensure that any transaction does not involve money laundering.
Costs
There are simple documents that can confirm you are bona fide, such as a passport, a driving licence with photo ID, proof of address such as a household bill, or a benefits book. The government website provides a proof of identity checklist.
You may be entitled to legal aid to help with your costs, so check with the firm what proof of income you need to provide if you qualify for this. It is important to get a clear idea of the costs as soon as you contact your solicitor. They will assess the costs during the legal process and keep you up to date throughout your case.
Some firms may offer free advice on what is known as a pro bono basis if you cannot afford fees and legal aid is not available.
In addition to documentation, it is helpful to write down the questions you want to ask during the appointment. You may also wish to take a friend or family member along to the meeting to help and support you.
What a solicitor can help with
Knowing why you need a solicitor shapes what you bring along. Property is a common reason: buying and selling, disputes between owners, buy to let and planning permission. Family matters such as divorce, disputes and child support are another. On the work side, solicitors deal with setting up a business, disputes between employers and staff, bankruptcy, insolvency and intellectual property. They also handle life events including wills, power of attorney, probate disputes and other legal disputes.
Choose a solicitor with experience in the relevant area of law, and do not be shy about asking about their qualifications and background, since you are the paying client. Meeting in person helps you judge whether you can work well together. A solicitor must hold a practising certificate showing they are qualified and insured, and the Solicitors Regulation Authority can confirm this. Fees vary with the work involved. Straightforward jobs such as conveyancing and wills are fairly predictable, but ongoing cases can add up, so agree costs in advance and stay in regular contact.
Points to raise when making a will
Many people still choose a solicitor rather than a will writing service, for two main reasons. Solicitors are regulated, whereas will writers are not. A solicitor can also prepare related documents, such as a trust for part of your estate or a power of attorney. People who have already used a solicitor, perhaps when buying a house, often go back to the same firm.
When you meet to discuss your will, think about where it will be kept. It needs to be stored safely but be easy to reach, both when it has to be acted on and if you want to change it. Circumstances change, and a beneficiary may die before you, so updates are common. Asking your solicitor to store the will is a simple way to keep it secure and accessible.
It is also worth deciding whether you want to appoint your solicitor as an executor, so bring that question with you along with details of your assets and beneficiaries.
How the first consultation usually works
The first contact with a solicitor is usually by phone or email, when you outline your legal issue and the outcome you want. You may be asked to gather relevant documents such as contracts and agreements before a consultation is arranged, and the solicitor should explain their fees at this stage.
At the first appointment, expect plenty of questions about your situation and your goals, and be open and honest in your answers. The solicitor should then set out your options, along with any risks and challenges. Ask as many questions as you need to judge whether they will represent your interests well. Some people meet several solicitors before choosing.
Once a solicitor takes on your case, they should keep you updated, be reachable when you have questions, and be clear about any extra costs that arise. Feeling comfortable with them matters a great deal, so trust your instincts. Recommendations from friends and family or online reviews are a good place to start the search.