Easier and better informed access to family law services
Seeking support with a family law matter such as a divorce, separation, pre-nuptial agreement, making a will or probate issues can prove intimidating and stressful.
Particularly when seeking a separation or divorce, there are so many different options on offer for resolving disputes about finances or child arrangements. It can be hard to decide which will suit your circumstances (and pocket!) best. From splitting or offsetting pensions, to choosing how to decide a child maintenance amount which you both can live with, the decisions can be long-lasting and have real impact on your ability to move forward with your lives.
An investigative survey has demonstrated the availability of more online information about solicitors and law firms (including family law firms) is already making a real difference in helping clients access legal services.
Clients have been able to start using the new SRA (Solicitor’s Regulatory Authority) Transparency Rules to help guide them make decisions about accessing legal services, according to independent research commissioned by the SRA. We welcome the finding that only 10% now say, with access to information on price, that they believe instructing a solicitor may be an unaffordable option for them. This compares to more than half presuming this was the case in the past. It is encouraging to see that more people feel able to access professional, high quality legal advice to inform their decisions, particularly when this affects such crucial decisions such as child arrangements or resolution of financial issues.
The research has found that most firms surveyed said they were publishing the necessary price and service information.
We abide by the rules by transparently stating our costs, displaying our SRA digital badge, which recognises our accreditation and registration, and making our feedback and complaints policies clear to you.