The biggest question on most people’s minds when seeking legal advice is how much will it cost and how will I find it? The answer depends entirely on the subject matter and the type of service that you require.
Private client matters such as conveyancing, wills and probate have to be paid for by the client out of their own monies as it’s often assumed that in seeking those services clients have their own money to pay. Wills can sometimes be drafted free of charge using charity initiatives such as “Free Wills Week” with the suggestion being that you leave a legacy in your will to the charity promoting this.
Some legal matters still attract legal aid. Criminal matters and certain family matters will qualify and you will need to approach a solicitor with a legal aid franchise to explore if this is relevant to you. It’s safe to say though that people often assume that they don’t qualify without first checking.
More general legal matters might be assisted through panel solicitors who might be appointed via your legal expense insurance attached to your home, motor or credit card insurance or trade union membership. This is often overlooked and the benefit of this is that such policies do not cost you an additional sum of money and will often seek to cover your out of pocket expenses, should you lose your case.
Whatever your enquiry or legal matter, your solicitor is obligated to act in your best interests and explore all relevant funding options with you. Solicitors are required to be transparent in their approach to costs and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask what the cost will be both at the time of seeking advice and as the matter moves forward.
SHU law offers not for profit advice and representation. This means that our clients only pay for third party expenses. However, we can’t service all legal matters and so that’s why it’s important that all funding options are considered alongside the area of law that sits at the heart of your legal matter. To speak to one of our solicitors about how best to approach your issue then please contact SHU Law by either emailing enquiries@shulaw.co.uk or calling 01142255891/2256666.