Finding support

We hear from Sarah Atkinson who discusses how to find the support you need when going through a divorce.

The breakdown of a marriage can be one of the hardest things someone will face in their life. Having the support of an experienced lawyer you can trust is crucial. We discover why in a discussion with leading family lawyer, Sarah Atkinson, who explains how to find the right lawyer for you.

“During a divorce you will be dealing with the emotional impact of a broken relationship but it’s important to find the energy to deal with the practical issues too.”

Why is it important to find the right lawyer to suit you and your needs?

“During a divorce you will be dealing with the emotional impact of a broken relationship but it’s important to find the energy to deal with the practical issues too. Having a lawyer with the right experience, who you can trust to have your best interests at heart, is so important.”

How can you find a good family lawyer?

“Recommendations from friends and family are a good place to start. There are also two independent guides to the legal profession, which rank lawyers based on feedback from clients and other professional advisors. These are called Chambers and Legal 500, and can be used as a good research tool.”

What are the qualities you should look for in a family lawyer?

“Family law is complex and many lawyers specialise in certain aspects. For example, at Stephens Scown, several of my colleagues and I specialise in divorces involving complex financial arrangements such as: pensions, trusts and business structures. Others in our team have expertise in issues affecting children following a relationship breakdown or abusive relationships. We then pull together if our clients need advice on both areas to ensure they get the best advice.”

How much will it cost?

“We offer a range of hourly charge rates and our senior team members work with junior team members to offer a cost-effective service – offering good value for money is important to us.”

The growing family team at Stephens Scown is among the largest in the region and has top tier ranking in Legal 500. Not to mention that two of the team – Sarah Atkinson and Mark Chanter – are recognised as notable practitioners by Chambers. For more information, make sure to get in touch and gain the support you need when going through a divorce.