“Cutthroat lawyers are milking vulnerable divorcing couples for tens of thousands of pounds, watchdogs are warning.”
As opening lines go, this article in the Metro newspaper went straight for the jugular.
The article goes on to explain how one firm charged a “desperate wife” £4,000 for photocopying and then attempted to hide the cost in a long list of confusing paperwork.
Another case saw a woman “stung” with £70,000 in legal fees.
These are clearly exceptional cases and exceptional charges.
The Legal Ombudsman points out that the average cost of a divorce is £1,300 a person. It is clearly more in some cases, particularly where both parties are reluctant to reach an early settlement and want to use the courts to fight every point.
So how can you choose a good value divorce lawyer?
Like all professional services, value is far more important than cost.
If you pay more for legal advice on divorce but get a better result, you might conclude this was a price worth paying. Better results can include a larger share of assets, a speedier resolution or simply less stress from having a supportive and expert legal team by your side.
When you find yourself going through the divorce process (and it is a well-established process), it makes sense to ask around and obtain referrals to divorce lawyers.
Being introduced to a family solicitor who someone you know and trusts, well, knows and trusts, is a good way to find a good value adviser.
Always take the time to understand the fee schedule of your chosen lawyer.
Because the workload involved in divorce cases is so variable, hourly rates are still the most common charging structure; not our preferred way of charging (we charge project fees at Informed Choice, which are clearly established at outset) but understandable when the work required can change so much as the case develops.
If you are stuck for a recommendation, speak to us as we regularly work with several excellent divorce lawyers, providing their clients with independent financial advice on the pension and other financial aspects of separation.
Photo credit: Flickr/DennisSylvesterHurd
