The way we purchase legal services is changing. Ten years ago you’d probably see a local solicitor on your high street. But things have moved on. Legal services
are now also available online or through call centres. These modern alternatives might look more cost effective – since they have lower overheads by offering remote
services – but they might also be based at the other end of the country, which could impact on how you communicate with your lawyer.
However, this type of service delivery is more likely to work for you if you want to do most of the legwork of getting a divorce yourself. Many firms now offer online ‘DIY divorce kits’ which provide a complete ‘how to’ guide on what you need to do to get divorced. Others offer some very basic advice, like checking
the forms before you submit them. Be aware that by using these forms you may be taking a risk if anything unusual or unexpected crops up, or if your divorce isn’t
straightforward and you can’t agree what will happen with your partner. Sometimes too, the person responsible for your case may not have the same qualifications
or experience as the lawyer on your local high street, which could mean that the advice you get may not be as informed as you’d like it to be.
It is important that you choose a method of service delivery which suits you. One size won’t fit all, but you need to be comfortable with the method of service delivery offered by your lawyer.As you are shopping around for a lawyer, make sure that you understand what services each firm is offering and at what cost. Some firms may offer a fixed quote but make sure that you are aware what this includes and what would happen if something unexpected occurs as this may not be included. Make sure that the quotes are like-for-like. A lawyer will usually charge legal fees plus VAT and disbursements (we explain what disbursements are next). Make sure that all the quotes you get are for the firm’s fees, VAT and all disbursements so that you can truly compare like for like.
are now also available online or through call centres. These modern alternatives might look more cost effective – since they have lower overheads by offering remote
services – but they might also be based at the other end of the country, which could impact on how you communicate with your lawyer.
the forms before you submit them. Be aware that by using these forms you may be taking a risk if anything unusual or unexpected crops up, or if your divorce isn’t
straightforward and you can’t agree what will happen with your partner. Sometimes too, the person responsible for your case may not have the same qualifications
or experience as the lawyer on your local high street, which could mean that the advice you get may not be as informed as you’d like it to be.
It is important that you choose a method of service delivery which suits you. One size won’t fit all, but you need to be comfortable with the method of service delivery offered by your lawyer.As you are shopping around for a lawyer, make sure that you understand what services each firm is offering and at what cost. Some firms may offer a fixed quote but make sure that you are aware what this includes and what would happen if something unexpected occurs as this may not be included. Make sure that the quotes are like-for-like. A lawyer will usually charge legal fees plus VAT and disbursements (we explain what disbursements are next). Make sure that all the quotes you get are for the firm’s fees, VAT and all disbursements so that you can truly compare like for like.
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