Family law
Controlling the costs of your divorce
The Family Law Company by Hartnell Chanot has been serving Fire Service personnel and their families for almost 25 years helping them resolve their marital disputes in a non-confrontational way .
Rachel Buckley , Director and Head of the Divorce and Finance team , gives some tips on the real opportunities available for reducing legal costs . One of the main concerns for those facing a divorce is the legal costs which can spiral out of control . However , we at The Family Law Company believe that there are real opportunities with reducing legal charges by following and using these tips : -
1 . Write out a list of your own assets , liabilities , pension provision , income and outgoings on a monthly basis . Do the same for your spouse as far as is known to you . Provide this to us at the outset of your case .
2 . Write , wherever possible , instead of telephoning ; the normal charge for considering a letter is less than the charge for a telephone call . Quite often you will find that the person dealing with your case will have to review the file before answering your query , and it is helpful to have the particular question in writing in your own words on the file . The same charge is made for telephone calls , whether they are made by us or received by us .
3 . If you only want to arrange for an appointment , speak to your Solicitor ’ s Assistant ; such telephone calls are not charged for . Remember any other matters dealt with within such a call will be charged for but at a reduced rate ( unless you have the benefit of public funding when the rate charged is the same ).
4 . We would encourage you to speak to the Assistants . They are also very experienced and can often help you without the need for you to speak to the person handling your case direct .
5 . Avoid dropping in to see your Solicitor without an appointment ; it is far more cost effective to make a proper appointment , which can be prepared for by the Solicitor handling your case .
6 . Be clear about the message you want to leave when you telephone ; a few minutes thought about the message you want to convey can save time and money . If the person to whom you wish to speak is unavailable always leave your telephone number and details of your availability for a return call to be made .
7 . Organise your information before you come to the office ; often basic items of information can be forgotten . It helps to make a list of names , addresses , telephone numbers and dates of birth of all relevant people . If your problem concerns finances , try to bring whatever documents , such as bank statements , or a list of savings accounts , as you think might be needed . It would also be helpful if you were able to find out any information about your finances you think we may need before coming to your meeting . This will reduce the need to set you “ homework ” between sessions .
8 . Visit our website at www . thefamilylawco . com ; a lot of information is available on our website which will save you having to telephone to speak to someone and may well answer the question you have .
9 . Respond promptly to any questions or requests for information you receive from us ; this will not only assist us in providing a better service , but will mean that you will not be charged for sending unnecessary reminder letters .
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