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If you are looking to resolve disputes concerning child arrangements, financial settlements, or asset distribution when getting a divorce, it is essential that you choose the right legal representation.

There are many law firms out there vying for your custom, however, and it can be difficult to know what divorce solicitor is best suited to your needs.

What does a family solicitor do? How much do they cost? What should I look for in a divorce lawyer?

These are all valid questions often asked by those involved in family law cases and this comprehensive guide to finding the right family law firm will provide all the answers you need, and many more.

Why do I need a family solicitor?

If you are looking for a divorce or looking to settle disputes concerning children, you should always consult with a qualified family solicitor before taking any legal action.

Even if you remain on good terms with your former partner and have been able to come to an agreement over the terms of your separation, it is worth having a solicitor go over the paperwork involved to ensure that everything is as it should be, and you are protected for the future.

If collaboration is not possible, and the relationship has broken down to a hostile state, a solicitor will also be able to represent you in court and having them on your side will significantly increase the chances of achieving an acceptable outcome.

Some family solicitors can be quite expensive; however, it may not be necessary to use their services throughout the entire process and even just paying for an initial consultation to understand your position and gain an idea of the realistic outcomes can be hugely beneficial.

What does a family lawyer do?

A family solicitor can provide a wide variety of services during the divorce process.

These include:

• Explaining how the legal process will work and what will be required from you at each stage
• Giving their expert opinion on the best possible/most likely outcomes
• Advising you on the best way forward
• Filing paperwork and checking any legal documents to ensure everything is as it should be.
• Fighting your corner should the divorce be contested in court
• Helping to find alternatives to litigation (Which can be extremely expensive) such as collaboration or mediation.

How to find a family solicitor

Now you know exactly why a family solicitor is so important and what they can offer you, it’s time to find one.

This can be almost as daunting as the legal process itself with a google search revealing hundreds of local firms offering their services.

One of the best ways to narrow down your search is to ask trusted friends and family for their recommendations of firms they have used in the past.

Other methods include looking up reviews online or reading through some previous client testimonials that are provided on many law firms’ websites.

Just cause a solicitor has worked well for one person does not mean they will necessarily be right for you, however, so it may be worth arranging a consultation with 2 or 3 different firms and making your decision after that.

When choosing a solicitor, you should look for someone who is compatible with you as you will have to work together for a sustained period and being on the same page is crucial to achieving the best outcome.

Some firms will charge a consultation fee however, so this is something to bear in mind if you take this approach.

Are they accredited?

If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a law firm checking that they are regulated by a recognised accreditation body is a good idea.

You should only ever consider law firms who are registered with the law society and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Look out for the Law Society Family Law logo on the company’s website as this is a sign of competence and a guarantee of high quality service.

Why choose Oracle Law?

Oracle Law offers high quality family law services at extremely competitive prices to customers across Scotland.

As a new law firm, we have adopted modern working practices and freed ourselves from the rigidness of established firms that operate from large offices with a legacy infrastructure.

This has allowed us to offer industry leading responsive legal services at a fraction of the cost of our competitors.

oraclelaw.com pride itself on our customer focussed approach, working hard to understand the requirements of each and every client, and always being on hand if we are needed.

To learn more about our family law services or to arrange a consultation call us today at 0141 332 0915 or fill out the contact form today.

If you and your partner are planning to separate or are in the process of separating it can be vital to get the right legal and professional advice. This is especially true if you find that your ex-partner won’t remain dedicated to the arrangements you have made with them, or, if communication between you and your ex-partner has broken down.

At Oracle Law Legal Advice we have extensive experience when it comes to family law, and know the ins and outs of handling disputes in the aftermath of the breakdown of a family unit.

In this article we’ll examine the legal and financial options available to you when approaching a divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership.  

Legal Advice

Solicitor

The job of a solicitor (also called a family lawyer or family solicitor) is to advocate on behalf of the individual.

A solicitor can advise you on your rights if you’re looking to make claims against your ex-partner.

Solicitors are often used when communication between you and your ex-partner has broken down, or that there is mistrust that would make mediation impossible. Family lawyers however will still work to avoid going to court, negotiating on your behalf with your ex-partners solicitor.

Solicitors are able to draw up legal agreements as well, based on what you and your partner have agreed.

Mediators

Mediators are impartial professionals who work to ensure both parties get a fair deal from the separation. Their job is to facilitate these difficult conversations, making sure that the couple remains in control throughout the process, despite the issues involved.

Mediators are a neutral third party, and they’ll work hard to try and find a beneficial solution for both parties, and ensure the divorce is as amicable and cost-effective as possible.

Divorce mediation covers issues like,

• The distribution of property
• The distribution of assets and liabilities
• Child arrangements and parenting plans
• Child support, spousal maintenance, and pensions

Meditation is both flexible and confidential and ensures the issues can be settled by both parties in a collaborative manner.

Arbitration

Another option is arbitration. In arbitration, you and your ex-partner will choose an arbitrator. The arbitrators’ job is to decide on the financial and property disputes you have between you, with a final, binding decision provided. Arbitration is confidential and has less stress and demand than a courtroom environment and is often far less costly (financially speaking).

Arbitration won’t always be appropriate. In situations where third party evidence is necessary, or if trust between you and your partner is lacking (for example, if you believe your partner may attempt to hide financial assets) then arbitration is unlikely to be an appropriate option. However, in situations where both parties are eager to resolve the situation then arbitration is an excellent alternative to going to court. 

Financial Advice

Accountant

You can make use of an accountant to help you value assets, such as a business. Some accounts specialise in assessing whether someone is attempting to hide the overall value of their assets, such as a business. They are known as forensic accountants. Accountants have experience in areas where solicitors are more than likely lacking it.

Accounts can assess a wide range of assets, from money in the bank, to shares, to properties.

If you feel your ex-partner isn’t being open regarding their assets, an accountant can be invaluable to securing a full picture of the financial situation. They tend to work with both people.

Financial advisors

Financial advisors can provide a wealth of advice regarding a person’s financial circumstances as well as providing a detailed plan for a person’s financial future. Financial advisors are an invaluable source of information if your divorce involves particularly complex financial structures – such as a business, inheritance, or a trust.

Financial advisors can also help to get your finances in order. They are also able to help you divide up your assets in a tax-efficient way, meaning you can save a significant amount of money over ‘doing it yourself’. 

Actuary

An actuary is a specialist when it comes to finances. They can provide an accurate valuation of a salary or pension. Working out this is a difficult task, and solicitors will rarely be equipped to provide these kind of assessments. 

How can I pay for legal fees?

It’s important to think about how you’ll pay for any legal advice you end up getting, especially before attempting court action, which can be financially demanding. In some cases, the cost of acting may be more expensive than any financial benefit you’d receive because of the action.

People usually pay for legal fees via savings, but there are other options. There is borrowing from family or friends, taking a personal loan, approaching a credit union, and in Scotland it is possible to make use of legal aid when it comes to divorce.

Buying your first home is a hugely exciting experience but the idea of applying for a mortgage is more likely to fill you with dread than butterflies.

Follow these simple mortgage advice tips and you will have the keys to your dream home in no time at all.

Stay in Your Current Job

Fed up with your job and looking for a change? It may be worth waiting until after you have secured your new home before you jump ship.

Securing a mortgage is all about proving that you are reliable and are financially stable. This will help convince mortgage providers that you will meet your repayments.

Most providers like to see commitment in your employment history and if you have been in the same role for at least 6 months then you will be in a much stronger position.

If you have just started a new job but have previously worked in a similar role for a significant period, then you may still be able to secure a mortgage however as you have a proven record of being successful in your profession.

Increase Your Deposit

Easy right? Well, even increasing your initial deposit by a small amount can have a huge impact.

Increasing the amount of money that you are willing to offer upfront for a property will increase your chances of getting a mortgage and can dramatically reduce the amount you have to pay each month.

Lenders view those with a small deposit as high risk meaning those who are able to offer more can secure lower interest rates.

You used to be able to secure mortgages with a deposit of just 5% however in recent years it is very unlikely that lenders will accept anything less than 10% and often require 15% or more from first-time buyers.

Get Some Help

Instantly increasing your deposit on your own is simply not an option for most first-time buyers, but do not despair.

Buying alongside someone else, whether a parent or someone else, can increase your chances of earning a decent mortgage especially if their credit history is better than your own.

If you are considering this option, you may well take joint responsibility for the mortgage and the property, so it is essential that the other person is aware of what they are committing to and that your relationship is not likely to change in the future.

Take Advantage of Government Schemes

Given the plummeting numbers of young people who are able to purchase their own home, the Government has introduced a few schemes aimed at making the property market more accessible.

A Lifetime ISA is an option available to first-time buyers looking to increase their deposit. If you are over 18 you can open a Lifetime ISA and put in up to £4000 per year. The Government will then top up your savings by 25% up to a maximum of £1000 per year.

This can be a great way to increase your chances of getting a mortgage as you will be able to offer a larger deposit when you wish to make an offer on a property.

You must be very sure that you are going to purchase your own home in the future before opening a Lifetime ISA however as there is a 25% charge for withdrawals made for any other reason than buying your first home.

Improve Your Credit Score

A good credit score will make you look like a great investment for a mortgage provider who will see that you are a responsible person to be lending money to.

If you are in debt or have been previously your credit score may be lower and you face a lower chance of securing a mortgage.

Simple ways to improve your credit score include registering for the electoral roll at your current address and taking out a credit card to purchase small items that you will be able to meet the repayment requirements for.

Talk to a Mortgage Broker

If you are serious about buying your first home, then talking to a mortgage advisor glasgow is vital. They will take you through what you can expect from your mortgage in terms of deposit and repayment schedule.

Not only can your broker advise you, but they will also arrange your mortgage for you once you have identified a property you are serious about.

By scouring the mortgage lender market, they will find you the best possible deal and explain exactly why they think that mortgage would be the best option for you.

Once you are content, they will submit your application and manage the entire process up until you receive a mortgage letter from the chosen lender.