When you need legal advice but are not sure where to turn it can be stressful and overwhelming.
There are so many solicitors in Chester. You might not know exactly what type of legal service you need, or how much it would cost. Here are a few things to consider when finding the right solicitor for you.
What area of law do you need?
It’s very easy to get swept up in jargon and complex terms, you might not be sure what it is you are looking for. For example, you could be looking to change the deeds to your property, but you may not know that it is called a transfer of equity. It helps to find a solicitor that will keep things simple so you can see the area of law your query would fall into and choose a more specific service if needed. Also, good solicitors will explain things in a clear way that you will understand and not over complicate anything. Do some research and read up on what you need, you will likely find solicitors who have got a lot of experience in that area and can effectively help.
Do you need a local solicitor?
In some cases, people would rather have a local solicitor so that they can go in and see them or drop off any paperwork easily. Also, if you’re going through a difficult legal matter like a divorce, you will want to see a friendly face and have a solicitor who will take the time to discuss things with you in person.
On the other hand, a lot of legal services can be done remotely, which might give you more choice and a wider range of options when it comes to choosing a solicitor. For example, conveyancing can be mostly done online as can other property-related services but if you have questions or prefer a personal touch, a local solicitor would be the better choice for you.
Have you read any reviews?
Reviews are useful no matter what kind of product or service you want, and solicitors are no different. Knowing how a firm has handled previous clients and whether they were happy with the service they received from that firm could make a big difference in your decision making.
Do you have any idea of costs?
It is easy to assume the worst when it comes to legal costs, and that’s because it’s often hard to compare them, every legal situation is different. However, it is important for pricing to be very clear for you to know exactly what your options are. Pricing models may vary, if you are making a diesel emissions claim or data breach compensation claim then the solicitors may opt to take a percentage of the compensation as opposed to charging for their time.
Having a chat with the solicitor
It is essential that you can trust your solicitor and have confidence that they have the knowledge and experience needed to take on your case. Whether it is a simple process or a more complicated one, speaking to the solicitor directly first will give you the chance to get to know them better and if they are the best person to help you. They will also be able to give you more accurate details when it comes to timings, prices, and expectations.
Questions to ask your potential solicitor
You might already have a shortlist of what you want to know but here are a few questions you can ask a possible solicitor to see if they’re right for you.
Who will be handling the case?
Depending on how complex your case is there could be multiple solicitors working on it, or if it is simple it could be delegated to a junior. Be sure you know who your point of contact will be to avoid confusion.
Are there any extra costs?
Whilst costs are estimated at the beginning of the process, and after further conversation they will be able to give you a more in-depth breakdown, it is still worth asking if there are any extras that you are missing. Anything from extra hours to printing extra copies of contracts can add up quickly, so it is good to check in advance if there could be additional costs.
Aaron and Partners is a firm of expert solicitors in Chester who provide high-quality, tailored advice to clients with a strong focus on getting the desired results in every case. No matter what kind of issue you need legal help with, you can be sure to get professional guidance that you can trust.
Read more:
How to find the right solicitors for you
