Second Opinion
You may have existing solicitors assisting you with your family law case. The relationship you have with those advisers may be largely satisfactory but there may be reasons why you feel the need to have a second legal opinion:
- You may lack overall confidence in the advice that you’re receiving and this concern has built up over a period of time;
- You may feel that your solicitor is not listening to you and that your concerns or expectations are being ignored;
- The strategy in your case is unclear and you do not feel, despite your requests, that it has been sufficiently explained to you;
- Your case has reached a critical point, perhaps in legal proceedings, or at the point where you need to make an offer of settlement, and you lack confidence in the course of action being suggested or the success of the outcome;
- You may feel that the relationship you have with your solicitor has broken down and you no longer trust the advice that is given.
We can help you if you find yourself in one of these situations. We will examine the facts of your case and assess the advice that you are being given. In most cases we will not need your existing file so your existing solicitors will not know that you are seeking a second legal opinion.
We will tell you, clearly and comprehensively, if we take a different view to your existing solicitors or if we agree with the action that they are taking on your behalf. In some cases, the strategy being pursued on behalf of the client is sound but the solicitor in question may not have taken the time to explain why a particular strategy is being adopted.
We appreciate that it is crucial that you feel that you are in control of your case which is why we will ensure that we give you a complete understanding of the law as it applies to your circumstances and why a particular solution would be desirable in your case.
By providing a second legal opinion, we may allow you to regain the confidence of knowing that your existing solicitor is on the right track. Alternatively, we can provide you with the right questions to ask of your existing solicitor to test that a particular strategy is in your best interests.
There are occasions when, following advice from us by way of a second legal opinion, you may wish to transfer conduct of your matter from your existing solicitors to Family Law Partners. We would be happy to assist should that be your decision.
If you would like an appointment with one of our specialists in Brighton, London, Horsham, Essex, North Hampshire & Surrey or South/Mid Hampshire then please contact us on 0330 055 2234.
You have more choices than you might think
We are committed to advising you of all the options available to you, and (unlike other family lawyers) will support you with solutions that avoid the traditional court process.
Get in touch
Lisa Burton-Durham, Director, Chartered Legal Executive & Collaborative Lawyer - Brighton
This is Lisa
she has a clear understanding of the emotional difficulties involved in separation
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the support and advice you have given me over this distressing time. I know its your job, but I felt that you were giving honest clear advice, listened...
Kate Elliott, Director, Solicitor & Mediator - Horsham
This is Kate
she is brilliant with clients, giving robust, clear, sensible advice
"When I first instructed Kate Elliott, instantly I had sense of relief as I knew my complex case was going to meticulously thought out. She worked tirelessly throughout my case with dedicated professionalism and honesty. She is attentive, warm and...
Mark Harrop, Director, Collaborative Lawyer & Mediator - London
This is Mark
his sensible and pragmatic advice can cut through the animosity of a case
“From the moment we met I felt at ease and comfortable to talk about a very private problem”.
Farhana Shahzady, Director, Collaborative Lawyer & Mediator - London
This is Farhana
she delivers swift, strategic advice in the most complex of cases
"It has been a pleasure working with you. Although there are no 'winners' in divorce, you have helped me to ensure that I don't lose one of the few assets I am confident that my ex-partner is not entitled to...
Robert Williams, Managing Director, Solicitor, Collaborative Lawyer & Arbitrator - Brighton
This is Robert
he leaves no stone unturned in advancing a client's case
"Robert is a thoughtful, experienced and tactical lawyer who 'remains calm and sensible at the most distressing times while giving clear and understandable advice'."
Gemma Hope, Director of Culture & Development, Solicitor, Collaborative Lawyer, Mediator - Brighton
This is Gemma
she works extremely hard for her clients to achieve the best outcome
"Gemma has excellent knowledge in her field, along with a very personable nature. I felt that she has always given me the best possible advice and service and I completely trusted her judgement and ability. Gemma made sure I was...
Polly Dallyn, Senior Associate - Horsham
This is Polly
she combines attention to detail with warmth and support
"Where to start? I've just had the pleasure of having Polly represent me in the courts. I am totally clueless when it comes to all this legal stuff and procedures, however, Polly made it easy for me to understand and...
Sarah Jelly, Consultant, Solicitor, Mediator & Collaborative Lawyer - Lewes
This is Sarah
she is 'like the doyenne of mediation' - vastly experienced and highly respected
"Just a quick thank you to you all for helping this morning go way better than my expectations. I am very grateful to you all for the kindness and consideration shown".
Rachel Nicholl, Director, Solicitor, Collaborative Lawyer - Horsham
This is Rachel
she is extremely hardworking and passionate, and will always go the extra mile
"Thank you so much Rachel for everything you did to help me. I would, without a shadow of a doubt, recommend Rachel Nichol as a family lawyer and a lovely kind person."
Jayne Llewelyn, Consultant, Mediator, Solicitor, Collaborative Lawyer - Winchester
This is Jayne
she is a results-driven family specialist…combining extensive litigation expertise with dispute resolution
"You always advised me of the options that were available at any given time during the process and gave me the time needed, and required, to make my own decisions which, ultimately, would affect the rest of my life".
Rosa Schofield, Solicitor - London
This is Rosa
she is passionate about her clients' rights and those of others
"You were simply amazing. I felt a huge relief calling you".
Consultant, Solicitor, Collaborative Lawyer - Essex
This is Louise
she is understanding of her clients’ needs, working at a pace which is comfortable for them
"Louise has handled an extremely important case for me, having been involved a few years before in my matrimonial case. Louise was superb, took me through the whole process, amazingly professional, knew the law back to front, organised everything, she...
Charlotte Plowman, Senior Associate - Horsham
This is Charlotte
she is passionate about ensuring clients are aware of all the options available to them
"My thanks to Charlotte for her input to the negotiations and her moral support during a horrible week for me. She really deserves a medal for her patience".
Hattie Gibson, Solicitor - Brighton
This is Hattie
she thrives on helping clients in complex, interesting cases
"Hattie's personal commitment means she goes the extra mile for her clients every time. She has the rare gift of treating every case like it is her only case."