The legal advice offered by Hattin Solicitors is tailored to your personal circumstances and we will do our best to answer all of your questions when we meet at the initial consultation.
Here are the answers to some of the more practical questions that we are frequently asked.
First meeting
How long with the first meeting last?
The initial fixed fee meeting usually lasts for an hour, which gives us time to take all of the details we need from you and give you advice about your situation. If your matter is particularly complex then we may need more time with you and this can be arranged. If your circumstances are straight-forward then you may be with us for less than an hour.
What do I need to bring to the first meeting?
We will need to verify your identity at the first meeting so please bring with you some photographic ID, such as a passport or driving licence and also a utility bill or bank statement, with your address on, which is less than 2 months old. If you wish to discuss divorce proceedings it will be useful if you can also bring your marriage certificate.
In order to discuss financial matters it will be helpful if you have an idea of your financial position, for example your outstanding mortgage, balances of bank accounts and your income position. We do not need to see documentary proof at the first meeting. If you have received any letters or documents from the Court or another solicitor we will need to see those too.
Can the first meeting take place over the phone?
We prefer to meet face-to-face for the first meeting. Thereafter it is unlikely that you will need to come into the office very often, if at all, as the case proceeds. The majority of our communication will be done by telephone, email or post, whichever you prefer.
Costs/Payment
How can I pay?
At Hattin Solicitors we offer the following payment methods: cash, cheque, BACS, CHAPS or Direct Debit.
How much does it cost to see a solicitor?
The majority of work we undertake can be carried out on a fixed fee basis. You will be provided with a price at the start of your matter so there should not be any unforeseen costs. If a fixed fee is unable to be given, we will give you an estimate of our legal costs and continually review this throughout your matter.
What if I cannot afford a solicitor?
Hattin Solicitors keep fees and charges highly competitive and offers a fixed fee for undefended divorce proceedings. Depending on the circumstances we may be able to accept payment by instalments. We will keep you informed about your costs as the matter goes on.
Can I recover my costs from my opponent?
It depends on the value and complexity of your claim. A proportion of your costs can usually be recovered, unless your claim is worth less than £10,000. In such claims, which are allocated to the ‘Small Claims’ track/Court, you can normally only recover your Court fee, fixed costs and certain out-of-pocket expenses.
Privacy
Is everything we talk about confidential?
Yes, protection of confidential information is fundamental to our relationship with our clients, both as a matter of law and ethics.
Services
What services are offered at Hattin Solicitors?
We offer many services in each area, some of which include the following;
- Employment
- Family & Children
- Immigration
- Landlord & Tenant
- Litigation & Dispute resolution
- Wills & Probate
To learn more about each service, please click the links above.
Are the lawyers at Hattin Solicitors all specialists in their fields?
All of our lawyers are specialists which means they deal with one specific area of law and that they can provide in-depth advice and experience in that area.
Family
Why should I consult a family law solicitor?
We fully appreciate how difficult and intimidating the process of consulting a solicitor can be, particularly when it comes to issues of separation and divorce, but it is vital that people get the right information at such a critical time in their lives. The emotional and financial costs of separation and divorce cannot be underestimated and decisions made at the beginning of the process can have a huge impact on the outcome. Therefore, it is important to base decisions on the best information available, which we can provide. We will always be realistic and honest with you.
If everything is agreed, can you act for me and my spouse?
Unfortunately, we are not allowed to act for both of you, even if matters are agreed, since there is the potential for a conflict of interest. We always seek to act in our client’s best interests and that may be impossible if we are acting for both parties. If appropriate, we are happy to recommend other lawyers, who we know are reasonable and take the same approach as us, to your spouse.
Litigation
Do I have to become involved in litigation, arbitration or mediation?
If someone brings a claim against you then you are involved in litigation. Whether you choose to admit or defend all or part of the claim will be up to you. Subject to any contractual obligation, you are not obliged to engage in arbitration or mediation but the Courts do encourage ADR in many cases.
Wills
Can I complete a will myself and it be legally binding?
You are not paying just for the document. You are paying for the advice. A Will is often not straightforward and there may be things you have not considered, such as inheritance tax liability, protection of assets for future generations and the risk of claims against your estate. Often, taking advice in relation to your Will can save your family potential tax liability, prevent the loss of family assets and provide protection against claims on your estate.
