Choosing a family solicitor is both a personal and a practical choice which, when you find the right one, can form the basis of a relationship that can last for decades, supporting you through the various changes in circumstances that inevitably arise as part of life.
At Barker Gotelee solicitors in Ipswich, we understand the difference it can make to have a family solicitor to call on as and when required, to deal with issues promptly, to provide timely advice that can often avert the need for formal legal proceedings and, if necessary, to represent you should the need arise.
But if you're trying to choose between different family solicitors in Ipswich and the Suffolk area, how do you go about it? Ultimately, of course, it will be personal decision, but we have put together some key questions which may help to guide you towards choosing a family solicitor that suits you.
Solicitors in Ipswich – Find out more about Barker Gotelee family solicitors in Ipswich.
Do they specialise in family issues?
A family solicitor, of course, needs to be able to handle legal issues which apply specifically to families – such as family breakdown, children's issues, inheritance and so on. How these matters are handled will have an impact on the practical and emotional life of your family for years to come, so it's important to choose a solicitor with specialist knowledge and experience in this area.
Do they cover the full range of areas that you might need now and in the future?
The ideal family solicitor is someone that you can turn to quickly as different life events occur. In a time of crisis you want someone you already know and trust, who already knows you and your family and who can get "on the case" immediately without you having to hunt round for a different specialist each time.
For family breakdown issues can you trust them to focus on finding a good settlement rather than rushing to court?
If you need a family solicitor to help you reach a financial settlement with an ex-partner then look for someone who is committed to helping you both reach an agreement without going to court unless absolutely necessary. This will save both of you money and is also far more likely to result in an agreement that both of you can feel is fair going forward. This in turn has an impact on your ability to maintain amicable relations in the future, especially important if you have ongoing shared commitments such as children.
Do they offer a professional mediation service in-house?
While many family solicitors advocate the use of mediation to help come to an amicable separation settlement in the event of family breakdown, often this means being referred somewhere else. Ideally, look for a family solicitor who can provide this service in-house using experienced mediators.
Can they deal with non-family areas which nevertheless have an impact on the family?
Many areas of law may not appear to fall under the category of "family issues" but in fact there are few legal issues that don't have some impact on the life of a family.
For instance, business and commercial law can affect how or whether a business is passed to the next generation; property sales and transfers are often a response to a change in family circumstances; and accident claims can affect the provision of care for injured or disabled family members, with knock-on effects for the whole family. Choose a solicitor that can draw on expertise in all these areas when your family needs it.
Can they deal with cross-generational issues?
A family solicitor needs to be able to deal with issues arising for all members of your family, whether young or old. In addition they need to be able to deal with issues which affect more than one family member. Check that they have the expertise and experience to deal with a full range of family issues such as school appeals, childcare arrangements and adoption, as well as elderly client issues including wills, estate planning, inheritance tax and powers of attorney.
Are they easy to contact or visit in person?
It often helps to speak face to face, especially for very personal or complex issues, so being able to talk to your solicitor in private at an easy to reach location is invaluable. Look for a family solicitor that has an office in reasonable distance of your home, and who can be contacted easily by phone if you need to make an appointment.
Are they likely to be around in 10 or 20 years time?
If you are looking for a family solicitor to see you through life's ups and downs you want to have confidence that they will still be there well into the future. Choose a well-established firm with a track record of success in multiple areas.
Do you "click"?
While this might sound rather unscientific, being able to communicate easily with your solicitor is one of the most important factors in a successful client-solicitor relationship. You need a solicitor that you can feel comfortable talking to, who is on your wavelength and who is able to listen and tune in to what you need. This type of rapport is very hard to achieve working with solicitors remotely or even online.
About Barker Gotelee Solictors Ipswich
Barker Gotelee are family solicitors in Ipswich serving the whole of the East Anglia region, offering a range of specialisms for personal, family and commercial issues.
We have a dedicated Family Department which specialises in family law issues and can facilitate mediation as part of reaching a separation agreement. When dealing with a family breakdown situation we are committed to helping you achieve a settlement through negotiation processes, as we believe in couples and individuals deciding their own fate, rather than a judge.
Established in 1988, we have a wealth of experience in a range of specialisms and can deal with just about any area of civil law including injury claims, wills, tax and inheritance, agricultural and business law, property matters and more. Your personal solicitor within the firm can then bring in whatever expertise may be required to deal with your case without you needing to find the right expertise at a time of crisis.
Our Martlesham Heath office is just off the A12 between Ipswich and Woodbridge and is also within easy reach of Felixstowe, Wickham Market, Saxmundham, Framlingham, Aldeburgh, Needham Market and Stowmarket.
