By Anthony Jones, Solicitor

Instructing a Family Solicitor can be a daunting prospect, particularly when funding for your case may not be readily available. You may want to get divorced. You may have problems with your ex over the children. You may be unmarried and require advice about separation. You may be about to live with someone or marry your partner and want advice about protecting your assets.

There are a number of options available which can assist you in funding your case. So what are they?:

•“Pay as you go” – Solicitors generally send out interim accounts to Clients as their matter progresses and often ask for a payment on account of costs (which is then offset against interim accounts). It is possible, therefore, to discharge your costs from available income, capital or credit cards as you go along. In certain circumstances costs may be paid at the end of your matter from your settlement.

•“Direct Debit/Standing Order” – both Direct Debits and Standing Orders can be set up so that you are paying a set amount each week/month enabling you to budget your outgoings.

•Friends/Family – you may have friends or family who are able to provide you with the money to fund your case.

•Loans – personal loans may be available to enable you to discharge your legal costs.

•Insurance – you may have home or car insurance or any other insurance that covers legal costs in connection with family matters.

•Maintenance Pending Suit – your case may be eligible for an application to be made to the Court to receive maintenance to cover your legal fees from the other party to the matter (this is available in divorce/dissolution proceedings only).

We can explore the various options available to fund your case at an initial meeting so you do not have to worry about how you will pay for the advice. Please call Anthony Jones on 01625 531676 or email anthony.jones@chafes.co.uk to dicuss your case.