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Types of solicitor services near you
1. Family law
Solicitors provide legal support for a wide range of family matters, including divorce, separation, child custody and financial settlements. They help you understand your rights and responsibilities, offering practical advice during what is often an emotionally difficult time. Whether you’re dealing with a straightforward agreement or a more complex dispute, a family solicitor can guide you through each step of the process.
2. Conveyancing
When buying or selling a property, it’s essential to have a solicitor handle the legal side of the transaction. Conveyancing solicitors manage contracts, conduct searches, liaise with mortgage lenders, and ensure that everything is legally compliant. Their expertise helps protect your interests and ensures a smooth handover of ownership, whether it’s your first home or part of a larger investment.
3. Wills and probate
Writing a will or handling someone’s estate after they pass away involves important legal steps. Solicitors help you create a clear and valid will that reflects your wishes and reduces the risk of future disputes. If you’re dealing with probate, they can take care of everything from applying for a grant to distributing assets, making a difficult time a little easier to manage.
What are the most common solicitor services?
Solicitors are essential in helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal matters. Below are some of the most common jobs they’re called out to handle.
Divorce and separation
When relationships break down, solicitors provide support with divorce proceedings, legal separation, and civil partnership dissolution.
They help with everything from filing paperwork to negotiating financial agreements and child arrangements.
Having a solicitor on your side ensures the process is handled fairly and within the law.
Buying or selling property
Also known as conveyancing, this involves all the legal work needed to buy or sell a home.
Solicitors handle contracts, run local searches, manage deposit transfers and ensure the final transaction is legally sound.
Their work helps protect your investment and keeps the process moving smoothly.
Making a will
A properly written will ensures your assets go to the right people after your death.
Solicitors help draft and update wills that reflect your wishes clearly and avoid legal disputes later on.
If your finances or family situation are complex, professional help is highly recommended.
Handling probate
When someone dies, their estate must be dealt with according to the law.
Solicitors can apply for probate, distribute assets, and settle debts on behalf of the deceased.
This is especially useful when there’s no will, or the estate involves property, investments or family disagreements.
Employment disputes
If you’ve been treated unfairly at work — through dismissal, discrimination, or withheld wages — a solicitor can advise you on your rights and help you take action.
They can also support employers in handling HR issues correctly and within the law.
Whether you're an employee facing workplace issues or an employer looking to stay compliant, legal advice can make all the difference.
Business contracts
For business owners, solicitors are often involved in drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts.
This might include service agreements, terms and conditions, or shareholder arrangements.
Having legal oversight reduces the risk of disputes and keeps your business protected.
How to find the best local solicitors
Finding the right solicitor isn’t always easy, especially when you’re dealing with complex legal matters. Here are four key factors to keep in mind to make sure you’re choosing a qualified and reliable professional:
Relevant specialist
For local solicitors, always confirm they have relevant specialist expertise with documentary proof. Ask for evidence of current registration details and scope of authorisation, and make sure names and dates are current. Early checks help you avoid unqualified providers and protect the quality of the outcome.
Regulated practice
Before choosing local solicitors, verify that the practice is regulated rather than relying on claims alone. Ask for evidence of regulatory status and recognised memberships, and make sure names and dates are current. Early checks help you avoid unqualified providers and protect the quality of the outcome.
Reputation or reviews
Check fresh customer feedback when comparing local solicitors. Look for comments on accuracy, deadlines and client communication. Consistent patterns across multiple platforms are usually more reliable than one standout rating.
Billing terms
Clear payment terms make it easier to compare local solicitors fairly. Your quote should show fee structure, disbursements and billing points, plus VAT and the timing of each invoice. If terms are unclear at quote stage, expect friction once work starts.
What questions should I ask before hiring a solicitor?
What are your fees and how will I be charged? Some solicitors offer fixed-fee packages for straightforward tasks like will writing or conveyancing, while others charge hourly rates. Ask for a written breakdown so you know exactly what is covered and can compare quotes more easily.
Do you have experience with cases like mine? If your case involves family issues, employment disputes, property transactions, or probate, ask whether they regularly deal with similar matters. A solicitor with relevant experience is more likely to understand the process and offer advice that is tailored to your situation.
How will you keep me informed during the process? Good communication is key to a smooth legal experience. Ask how often they will provide updates and whether they prefer phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings.
How long is my case likely to take and what should I expect? Every case is different, but your solicitor should be able to give you a general idea of timescales and explain the main steps. Ask what the most likely outcomes are and how they plan to approach your case.
Top frequently asked questions about solicitors
Not always. For simple legal issues, like writing a basic will or handling a minor dispute, you may be able to manage things yourself using official resources or templates found online.
However, when legal matters become more complicated or involve large sums of money, personal relationships, or long-term consequences, it’s wise to seek professional legal advice.
Solicitors can help you understand your rights, avoid legal pitfalls, and make sure everything is done properly. This is especially important in areas like divorce, buying or selling property, handling someone’s estate, or dealing with employment problems.
Yes, you are free to change solicitors if you are not satisfied with the service you’re receiving. Sometimes it may just be a matter of poor communication, so it’s worth raising your concerns first to see if they can be resolved. However, if you feel your case isn’t being handled properly, or you’re not confident in their advice, switching to a different solicitor is entirely possible.
It’s a good idea to come prepared. Bring any documents related to your legal issue, such as letters, contracts, or court papers. You will also need photo ID and a recent utility bill or bank statement as proof of address. This is part of the solicitor’s legal duty to verify your identity. If you can, write down a brief timeline of events and any questions you want to ask. This will help make the most of your time during the appointment and give the solicitor a clear picture of your situation from the start.
Legal aid is still available in certain situations, but the rules have changed in recent years and not all cases qualify. You may be able to get legal aid if your case involves domestic abuse, eviction, child protection, or serious family issues. Whether you qualify depends on both the type of legal problem and your financial circumstances.
You’ll need to provide evidence of your income, savings, and any benefits you receive. To check if you’re eligible, use the government’s legal aid checker. Even if legal aid isn’t available, some solicitors offer a free initial consultation or fixed-fee services for certain types of work.
The time it takes depends entirely on the nature and complexity of the case. For example, buying or selling a house typically takes between 8 and 12 weeks. Writing a will might only take a few days or a week, especially if your situation is straightforward. More complex matters like divorce, probate, or business disputes can take several months, particularly if there are disagreements or complications. Your solicitor should give you a realistic timeline early on and keep you updated throughout the process.
Yes, many reputable solicitors offer online services, especially for tasks like conveyancing, will writing, or reviewing contracts. Choosing an online solicitor can be more convenient, and sometimes more affordable, than visiting a local office. The key is to make sure the firm is properly regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and has good reviews from past clients. You can verify their credentials using the SRA register.
If you can’t afford a solicitor, you may still have options. Legal aid is available in certain cases, such as domestic violence, housing issues or care proceedings. Some charities and legal clinics offer free legal advice, and many solicitors provide a free initial consultation or fixed-fee services for common tasks like will writing or contract reviews.
Yes, in fact many solicitors aim to resolve disputes without the need for court proceedings. This can involve negotiation, mediation, or formal settlement agreements. Whether it’s a neighbour dispute, family disagreement or a business contract issue, a solicitor can help you understand your legal position and reach a fair solution more efficiently.
A solicitor is a qualified legal professional regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. They’ve completed a law degree or conversion course, passed professional training, and carry professional insurance. A legal adviser might have some legal training or experience, but they’re not necessarily qualified or regulated in the same way. Only solicitors can handle certain legal matters, such as representing clients in court or managing property transactions.