Legal issues can often feel complicated, unfamiliar and overwhelming. Whether you’re buying a home, making a Will, going through a divorce or starting a business, having the right legal advice can make the process much easier to understand.

A solicitor can guide you through the legal process, explain your options and answer your questions, helping you understand what needs to happen and what choices are available to you.

Preparing for Your First Appointment

Once you have chosen a solicitor, you’ll need to arrange an appointment. A little preparation beforehand can help you make the most of your time with them.

Before your appointment, consider:

• Asking whether you need to bring any documents
• Making a list of questions you want to ask
• Letting the solicitor know if someone will be accompanying you
• Telling them if you have a disability and require a reasonable adjustment

Taking relevant paperwork and making notes of important dates or events can also help your solicitor understand your situation more quickly.

What Happens During the Appointment?

Your first meeting is an opportunity for your solicitor to understand your circumstances and explain how they may be able to help.

They will usually ask you to explain why you are seeking legal advice and what you hope to achieve. They may also ask questions about the issues involved and request any relevant documents.

Your solicitor should then explain the options available to you, including the potential advantages and disadvantages of each approach.

They should also discuss:

• The likely costs and timescales involved
• Anything that needs to be dealt with urgently
• Any additional information or documentation they need
• What the next steps are
• Whether another specialist is needed if your case involves an area outside their expertise

Don’t worry if you don’t understand all the legal terminology. Your solicitor should explain things clearly and give you the opportunity to ask questions.

What Happens After the Appointment?

If you decide to instruct the solicitor to act for you, they should send you a client care letter.

This important document should confirm that they have been instructed to act on your behalf and set out key information about your case.

It should normally include:

• The issues discussed and the agreed next steps
• Who will deal with your case on a day-to-day basis
• The estimated costs and any agreed spending limit
• Expected timings
• Information about how the solicitor is regulated
• Details of how you can make a complaint if you are unhappy with the service

It’s worth reading the letter carefully and asking your solicitor if anything is unclear.

Keep Your Solicitor Updated

Once your solicitor is dealing with your case, it’s important to keep them informed of any changes that could affect your circumstances.

For example, a change in your financial position could affect your entitlement to legal aid. Other changes in your personal circumstances may also have an impact on your case.

If you’re unsure whether something is relevant, it is usually better to tell your solicitor and let them advise you.

Why Do Solicitors Need to Check Your Identity?

If you are a new client, or you haven’t used the firm for some time, your solicitor will need to carry out identity checks.

These are sometimes referred to as money laundering checks. They are a legal requirement designed to help prevent criminals from using law firms to launder money.

You will normally need to provide documents to confirm your identity and address. These might include:

• A current signed passport
• A photocard driving licence
• A benefits book or relevant benefits documentation
• A recent gas, electricity or other household bill as proof of address

If you don’t have the usual documents, don’t panic. Speak to your solicitor, who can explain what alternative documents may be acceptable to verify your identity.

Making the Most of Your Solicitor

Using a solicitor doesn’t have to be daunting. Their role is to provide expert legal advice, explain your options and help you navigate what can sometimes be a complicated process.

Being prepared, asking questions and keeping your solicitor informed can help the relationship work effectively. Most importantly, if there is anything you don’t understand, ask. Your solicitor is there to help you understand your legal position and the choices available to you.

Understanding the Costs

One of the important things you should discuss with your solicitor is how much your legal matter is likely to cost.

At your initial appointment, your solicitor should explain:

• The likely cost of your case
• How they will charge for their services
• Any factors that could cause the costs to increase

Your solicitor should also keep you informed about costs throughout your case. When you receive your bill, it should clearly explain the work carried out and the amount you have been charged.

If you are concerned about costs at any stage, don’t be afraid to ask your solicitor for clarification.

How Marlborough Law Can Help

Although all practising solicitors are qualified to practise law, most specialise in one or more particular areas.

For example, if you are separating from your partner, a family law solicitor will have the specialist knowledge needed to advise you. If you are buying a property, you are likely to need a solicitor experienced in residential conveyancing.

Choosing a solicitor with the right expertise can help ensure you receive advice that is relevant to your particular circumstances.

Marlborough Law is an established law firm that provides expert litigation, dispute resolution, family and divorce services, serious and catastrophic injury, employment and employee disputes, as well as wills and probate legal services and we have an expert and sympathetic team ready to chat…