Hegarty Solicitors in Oakham answers your question: Do I have to instruct a solicitor if I want a divorce?

Every week, Hegarty Solicitors, which has branches in Stamford and Oakham, answers your legal questions.

This week, you're asking: 'Do I have to instruct a solicitor if I want a divorce?'

And the answer from Julia Weber from Hegarty?

She said: "It is possible to act ‘in person’ in court proceedings to end a marriage or a civil partnership and in any related financial or children proceedings.

"It is worth considering very carefully whether you want to negotiate a financial settlement concerning your most valuable assets such as, your family home and your pension(s) or the arrangements for your children without any expert legal advice or representation, as the decisions you make will have far reaching consequences.

"Cuts in Government funding have resulted in fewer people now being eligible for ‘Legal Aid’, and this means that affordable legal advice and representation can be difficult for many clients. If your case is straightforward, you may be able to manage the majority of it yourself and you may require support with certain aspects, such as drafting letters, completing forms or an explanation of technical terms. Advice and support from an experienced family lawyer on a ‘pay as you go’ basis might be an appropriate choice for you.

"Do bear in mind that if your case is not straightforward and involves complex legal or financial issues, trying to save money by acting in person may cost you dear in the long run. Any expert advice can seem expensive so it is worth focussing on the benefit to you, not just the cost."

For further information regarding any family law matter, please call our Oakham Office on 01572 757565 or our Stamford office on 01780 752 066 or email julia.weber@hegarty.co.uk.