I know that many people believe that speaking to or taking advice from a divorce solicitor means some form of commitment to going to Court. But it does not.
By far the majority of our clients keep well away from Court. A good specialist lawyer will be well used to negotiating and mediating a settlement. Often it can pay to choose a firm which is a member of Resolution and or who can deal with collaborative law.
The right approach can often keep people out of Court. But of course you can only make an agreement with someone who is prepared to do so. Some are not and it is these cases which often do have to be decided by a Judge. Then the costs rise, but if it is the only way......
Andrew Woolley, senior divorce lawyer