Have you wondered what a typical working day looks like for a family law solicitor? This respectable profession is key to upholding complex areas of the law, helping families to seek support on a whole range of issues. These range from divorce to child-related law for adoption and other issues.
As well as sound legal knowledge, it requires strong interpersonal skills as they help clients navigate a broad set of issues. Here’s what you need to know.
Daily responsibilities and challenges
Family law solicitors can specialise in a broad range of areas, such as divorce, cohabitation, child custody, financial settlements and more.
They assist clients across various stages in each case. On a typical day, they might do consultations or even represent a client in court. They could also spend the day negotiating on behalf of their clients. Every case is different, which means each working day can vary.
Essential skills and qualities
Dealing with sensitive cases that impact families across the nation means that being understanding and empathetic are important traits. Often, solicitors will handle emotionally charged cases. Perhaps someone is frustrated with an ex-partner or is at risk of losing custody of their children. Other cases involving domestic abuse require additional knowledge about safeguarding in this area.
Like any other lawyer, it’s important to have strong communication skills for negotiations. This also comes in handy when someone needs to explain complex legal issues in a simplified way so that clients are kept in the loop. It goes without saying that outstanding organisational skills and legal knowledge help solicitors offer the best possible service.
Rewards and job satisfaction
Although there are challenges, being a family law solicitor can be extremely rewarding. Making a positive difference in someone’s life and helping to achieve justice is a special feeling. Overcoming complex legal issues while offering a compassionate service to clients means they can take real pride in their work.
Despite challenges, many family law solicitors find their work rewarding, as they make a positive difference in clients’ lives and enjoy resolving complex legal issues.
Keeping up with legal developments
Family law is an ever-changing area of the law and it’s essential to stay up to speed. Keeping up to date with evolving attitudes and trends is also important.
For example, there has been an emphasis on encouraging clients to resolve affairs without having to go to court. This means options such as mediation should be explored first in many instances. There is also discourse around cohabitation rights and improving these for unmarried couples.
The family law solicitors at Stowe Family Law are proud to offer exceptional service to clients. If you need support with a particular case, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
