Finding a Solicitor

dowhatmakesyourheartsmile

Hi there,

I am currently going through an extremely difficult break-up where I had to leave the family home with my two children to live with a relative. This was nearly three months ago and have not been able to return due to my concerns over our safety as my husband has been suffering with a serious mental health issue and is refusing to leave to allow us to return.
A few weeks ago I went to a solicitor and was advised to issue an Occupational Order which costs 1,500 pounds! Which would view each persons needs and decide who should occupy the house, being the main caregiver to the children this should be me and he would be removed.
Now it's near crunch time I think I may go and get some advice from a few solicitors to find out if this is my only option and if so I want to do a bit of shopping around as it will also mean going down the divorce route too which is also costly.
How do you find a good solicitor with good recommendation? Is there a well known website where I can search and review them to get the best and not too costly?
I'm in Bristol if anyone can recommend one.

Also any additional advice on the matter above would be of great help right now, thank you.

pigpen

I went on word of mouth.. mine was actually the solicitor my dad used in 1976.. who my friend used in 1998 and I used in 2010.. He is very good..

Do any still do the free half hour sessions? It might be worth visiting a few, asking them all the same kist of questions and seeing what response you get.

lika_86

http://www.legal500.com/c/south-west/private-client/family

Some of these might be a bit commercial but they should be able to refer you to a good firm if you speak to them.

andygb

Try this link. You only have to put in your postcode and then select the type of service which you require from the drop down box - Mediation family may be the one.

http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/find-a-solicitor/

dowhatmakesyourheartsmile

Thank you I will definitely take a look at those websites. Yes you do, the one I went to see I got a free hour session but I believe it varies from firm to firm. Word of mouth is okay when people speak highly of solicitors, I've never heard anyone say a good word about them though!

thorsoak

You could also make contact with Shelter - they may be able to advise - as also may Womens Aid. Their advice would also be free.

dowhatmakesyourheartsmile

Shelter are amazing, happened to stubble across it when researching occupational orders. highly advise this site. will take a look at women's aid as well thank you.