Good Family Law Solicitors Required

[tb278]

Hi there, does anyone have any recommendations for a good solicitor to represent me on access rights for my 5 year old? Unfortunately the father is impossible when it comes to communication and wants his own way all the time without discussion with me or compromise. I live in Hertfordshire. Many thanks.

[STIDW]

I'm reluctant to recommend a solicitor because clients report different experiences depending on their own circumstances and POV. For that reason I wouldn't rely on word of mouth.

Resolution, a family lawyers organization that promotes non confrontation to settle disputes has a database to search. You need to satisfy yourself that the individual solicitor is committed to the ideals as there are many good solicitors who are not members of Resolution and some feel being a Resolution member is nothing more than a PR exercise. I don't happen to agree and think the organization is a very good starting point.

Alternatively you could try Chamberlain's (the publishers) independent guide to solicitors.

[Resolution]

Try also the law society website. Google 'law society' 'find a solicitor', click on 'solicitor search' and then type in the town nearest you. Specify you want (in the drop down list) someone on the children panel. These will be specialists in acting in children cases. That will gove you a good geographical spread.

[tb278]

Thank you.

[ElsieMc]

I was completely unaware you could approach a family barrister directly as in the past this has always been my wish due to the poor quality of the family solicitors in our local rural area.

Can you just approach the clerk at chambers directly and would you have to still have a solicitor with you at court?

This has always been a major issue for us as I have been able to undertake the basic work of court forms, statements etc but find it incredibly hard to speak in court, depending on the Judge's attitude to litigants in person which is variable.

[STIDW]

The rules have recently changed so that the public can now access a family barrister. Strictly speaking you didn't require a solicitor in court if you had a barrister, although you needed to go through a solicitor to access a barrister. Now you can research barristers who do direct access work and approach the clerk at chambers. The Bar Council's website has more information.