Here’s Your Divorce Lawyer Checklist
A friend may recommend a divorce lawyer — but how do you know they’re right for you? Discover the essential checklist to evaluate legal quality, value, and fit before you instruct.
A Recommendation Is a Good Start — But Not the Whole Picture
When you’re facing a divorce, it’s natural to turn to friends, family, or colleagues for advice — especially when it comes to choosing a solicitor. However, a personal recommendation, while reassuring, may not guarantee the best fit. Here’s the truth:
A divorce lawyer who worked well for someone else may not be the right fit for your situation.
Before you instruct a solicitor, take a step back and evaluate their service using a few smart criteria — just like professional legal buyers do when they assess law firms.
At Paradigm Family Law, we believe in transparency, trust, and tailored service. So, here’s a quick guide to help you assess whether a recommended lawyer is truly right for you.
What to Check Before Instructing a Divorce Lawyer
1. ADR Usage & Engagement Checklist
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) — such as mediation, early neutral evaluation or collaborative law — often resolves disputes faster, more privately and at a predictable cost. Moreover, under the Financial Remedies Pre-Action Protocol, you’re required to consider ADR before issuing any court application.
✔ First : Find out which ADR processes do you routinely use?
✔ Next: Ask for data, of your last 50 financial-remedies clients, what percentage settled via ADR versus going to a final hearing?
✔ Finally: Determine how much time and cost did clients save through ADR compared to full litigation?
2. Partner Availability & Engagement Checklist
Will a senior lawyer be actively involved in your case — or just oversee from afar?
✔ Ask: Who will manage my case day to day? Will I have direct contact with a partner when needed, or only with associates?
3. Quality of Partners and Associates Checklist
A good team matters. You’re not just hiring one person — you’re hiring a support network.
✔ Ask: What are the credentials and years of experience of everyone on my file? Have they handled high-net-worth financial remedies or complex children’s disputes?
4. Resourcing, Efficiency & Technology Checklist
Is the firm properly staffed to handle your case — or will it be stretched thin? Do they use technology to keep you in the loop?
✔ First Ask: How long do matters like mine usually take to resolve?
✔ Then Ask: Do you offer a secure online portal for document uploads, status updates and real-time billing transparency?
5. Billing Transparency and Value Checklist
Legal bills can be a major stressor — especially during divorce. Clarity is key.
✔ First Ask: Do you offer fixed fees, blended or capped fees, or purely hourly rates?
✔ Then Ask: How often will I receive cost updates, and how do you benchmark fee increases year-on-year?
✔ Finally Ask: Are disbursements or admin surcharges capped or included?
6. Communication & Case Management Checklist
You should never feel in the dark about your own case.
✔ Ask: How often will I hear from you — and in what format (phone, email, portal)?
✔ Ask: Who is my single point of contact for urgent queries or emergencies?
7. Industry Reputation & Sector Knowledge Checklist
Some firms have strong profiles in corporate law — but little depth in family law. And online reviews can reveal recurring issues personal referrals miss.
- Check: Reviewsolicitors.co.uk, Trustpilot and Google Reviews — pay attention to one-star feedback. Are there patterns around fees, missed deadlines or poor communication?
- Check: The SRA’s “Find a Solicitor” register for any open complaints or disciplinary actions.
Bonus Checklist: Quick Questions to Ask a Divorce Lawyer Before You Instruct
| Criteria | Ask This Question |
| Partner involvement | Who will I be dealing with day to day? |
| Billing | Are your fees fixed? How often will I get updates? |
| Communication | How often will you update me and in what format? |
| Team experience | What’s your experience with cases like mine? |
| Efficiency | How long do similar cases usually take? |
| Culture and values | How does your firm support its team? |
| Industry reputation | Do you specialise in family law, or offer general services? |
| Future value | Will fees rise next year? What value do I get in return? |
| ADR | Which ADR processes do you routinely use? |
Final Thought: Choose What’s Right for You
A recommendation is useful — but it’s not enough. Choosing a divorce lawyer is one of the most personal, impactful decisions you’ll make during your separation. Take time to ask the right questions.
Trust your instincts. And always prioritise clear communication, transparency, and experience.
Speak to a Specialist
Paradigm Family Law, has an internationally recognised and award winning team of family lawyers. We work on a fixed-fee basis because we believe certainty is key.
Our partnership with Whatwouldajudgesay.com aligns perfectly with that principle—bringing transparency and structure to one of life’s most difficult transitions.
If you’re considering divorce or separation and want to better understand your financial position, speak to us. An early judicial view could guide you forward.
Call Frank or Evelyn to discuss and explore ways in which we can help. Paradigm Family Law offers a free initial consultation with a top-rated family lawyer and our fixed fee solutions cover financial or children proceedings from start to finish.
Call us on 01904 217225 or email info@paradigmfamilylaw.co.uk