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Q&A On Using A Solicitor As You Get Older

Q&A On Using A Solicitor As You Get Older

As we get older we tend to use Solicitors more – to get married or divorced, to make a Will, buy or sell property or for later life planning for when we can no longer deal with our affairs ourselves. A good Solicitor will help with all of these issues but it is important that you choose the right Solicitor for you.

We have set out 10 questions below which will help you choose a Solicitor and feel confident in how you use their service.

1. Do you need a Solicitor?

You may well need a Solicitor if you need help with a legal or practical problem such as selling a house or writing a Will. You will need to make sure you find someone who has the right level of experience and area of expertise to your problem. Getting legal advice is often linked to important decisions, so it is vital that you trust your chosen Solicitor.

2. What do you want from your Solicitor?

It helps to be clear about what you need since your Solicitor’s role is to get the result you want. Writing a Will for example isn’t just about signing the papers, your Will sets out exactly what you would like to happen with your possessions, finances and house which are decisions only you can make. Your Solicitor will be on hand to offer guidance to help you come to these decisions. The clearer you are with your Solicitor the less likely there is room for misunderstanding, so it is important you feel you can talk openly with them and ask questions when you are unsure. Remember there is no such thing as a ‘silly question’.

3. How do you choose a Solicitor?

Many people find a Solicitor through recommendation from family and friends. Alternatively you could look online or speak to professional bodies, such as Law Society. However you choose to look, it is always a good idea to shop around until you are happy. It might be a good idea to talk to a Solicitor first about how they will work with you before making a decision. Location may be a big selling point for you in terms of being able to visit the office with ease or, if you aren’t very mobile, asking if they would consider home visits.

4. What will it cost?

A Solicitor should discuss costs with you and provide as much information as possible so you can make an informed decision. You may find it helpful to have an initial consultation whether it be by phone or face-to-face. Some Solicitors may charge for this but they should warn you before you book and any conditions should be explained. It is important that you find out what charging method your chosen Solicitor uses and make sure it is explained to you in detail. At Rosalind Watchorn Solicitors we offer an initial 30 minute consultation free of charge to help you come to a decision and we would be able to give you an estimate at the outset of any work we undertake as to the cost.

5. Is it ok to ask questions?

Your Solicitors job is to make sure you understand the service they are providing every step of the way. If there is anything you are unsure of then ask, they are legal experts and that is what you are paying them for. It is easy to feel intimidated when dealing with Solicitors but a good Solicitor will welcome any questions, and questions asked early on can often prevent later problems. If there is something you are particularly concerned with then you need to tell your Solicitor so that they understand. If you don’t feel confident enough to tell them you could tell someone you trust and ask them to help you raise this.

6. What can I expect from my Solicitor?

All Solicitors agree to uphold a Code of Conduct in their work. As their client, your Solicitor should be acting in your best interests and be clear on what it is you are excepting of them and match this. Your Solicitor may challenge you so they are sure that you have thought your request through and the consequences of this. This is done to help you understand the legal implications of your request or decision. Sometimes close family members may have told your Solicitor what you want on your behalf, in this instance a Solicitor will still want to check with you personally to make sure this is the case. They may want to check this with you in private to be clear you agree with this. It is also important that you don’t feel rushed or pressured to make decisions. Remember you can stop using a Solicitor at any point if you are not happy with their services but you may still have to pay for their services up until that point.

7. How do I agree with my Solicitor about how to make decisions?

Communication is of absolute paramount. Clarity on both sides is hugely important, for instance, you will need to let your Solicitor know if there is something you specifically want so they can work towards this. It is sometimes helpful to have your Solicitor’s advice in writing so you have a chance to go over what they are saying and take the time to think about it further. You will feel a lot more confident and in control of the process if you are sure of what is happening at each stage. It is also essential that you listen to what your Solicitor is advising. If they think you are being unrealistic in your expectations then you should take their advice seriously and maybe try another course of action you should value your solicitor’s advice but as the client you should always have the final say and a good Solicitor will have your best interests at heart.

8. What do I need to watch out for?

You should never feel pressured or influenced into making a decision. This is a very rare occurrence but a very serious one when it does happen. It can sometimes be difficult when emotions are running high in a family, especially around things like inheritance and selling houses where there can be competing views about what should happen. Your Solicitor however, should be there to help you do what is right for you.

9. What do I do if I have a problem with my Lawyer?

The vast majority of Solicitors want to do a good job and if you express a concern or problem you have with their service they will try and put it right. If you don’t get what you want, you are entitled to complain but if you do so you need to make sure you are clear on what you think has gone wrong and what you want to be done. Remember you are the client and it is your wishes that form the basis of the legal service.

10. What do I do if I feel worried about what is going on?

Using a Solicitor can be a stressful experience and the emotions involved can sometimes allow for poor decisions to be made. Make sure you are aware of how you are feeling and if you are worried at any point then you must tell your Solicitor. Once your Solicitor knows where your concerns lie they can try to put them right. It is never too late to share any of your concerns but the sooner you mention what is on your mind, the easier it will be to resolve the issue at hand.

Rosalind Watchorn Solicitors are at 10 Kenwood Park Road Sheffield.  We specialise in wills, probate and issues for elderly clients as well as property matters. We don’t charge for our first meeting so come and talk to us about your circumstances without any commitment. We can come and see you if you find it difficult to get out. Telephone 0114 229 0160 to make an appointment with one of our Solicitors.

One Response to Q&A On Using A Solicitor As You Get Older

  1. Cooper says:

    Lots of interesting posts on your page.

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