Choosing a family law solicitor is a decision most people make once or twice in a lifetime, usually under stress, and often without knowing what a good solicitor should offer. A first consultation — many firms offer one free or at a fixed fee — is your chance to find out. Here are ten questions worth asking before you commit.
1. Do you specialise in family law?
Family law is technical and constantly developing. A solicitor who handles it day in, day out will serve you better than one who does it occasionally between other work. Ask how much of their practice is family law, and whether they hold Law Society of Scotland specialist accreditation.
2. Who will actually handle my case?
The person you meet at the first consultation is not always the person who will do the work. Ask who will have day-to-day conduct of your case, what their experience is, and who to contact when you have a question.
3. How do you charge, and what will this cost?
Ask directly about fees. Is it a fixed fee or an hourly rate? What is the hourly rate, and what does it include? Are there likely to be outlays (such as court fees or a sheriff officer)? A good solicitor will be transparent about cost and give you a realistic estimate for your circumstances. See our guide on divorce costs in Scotland for context.
4. What approach do you recommend for my situation?
A solicitor worth instructing will not automatically reach for court. Ask whether mediation, collaborative law, or arbitration might suit your case, and why. Their answer tells you a lot about whether they will pursue a sensible, proportionate strategy or an adversarial one.
5. What are the likely outcomes?
No one can promise a result, but an experienced solicitor can give you a realistic sense of the range of likely outcomes and the strengths and weaknesses of your position. Be wary of anyone who guarantees success.
6. How long do you expect this to take?
Ask for a realistic timescale. It helps you plan and manage expectations, and the answer will reflect how well the solicitor understands your particular circumstances. See our guide on how long divorce takes in Scotland.
7. How will you communicate with me, and how often?
Poor communication is one of the most common complaints about solicitors. Ask how they will keep you updated, how quickly they respond to messages, and whether you can agree expectations about contact up front.
8. Do you offer legal aid, if I need it?
If cost is a concern, ask at the outset whether the firm offers legal aid. Many firms do not, so it is far better to establish this immediately than to find out later.
9. What can I do to keep costs down?
A good solicitor will tell you honestly how to help — being organised, resolving what you can by agreement, being realistic, and keeping communications focused. Their willingness to help you save money is itself a good sign.
10. How can I get in touch, and what happens next?
Finally, make sure you understand the practical next steps: what the solicitor needs from you, what they will do, and how to reach them. Clarity at this stage sets the tone for the whole relationship.
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Compare Solicitors →Disclaimer: This article is general information about the law in Scotland and is not legal advice. It may not reflect the most recent changes in the law. Always consult a qualified solicitor about your own circumstances.