Consumers in need of legal help should shop smart. We’ve published new research into the prices of legal services, which reveals some practical measures that consumers can take to find the lawyer who meets their needs and their budget.
The research looks at the prices for commonly used legal services, including conveyancing, divorces and wills. While average prices have increased over the last five years, largely due to inflation, the findings can help consumers seeking value and clarity.
Here are five top tips for choosing a lawyer:
- Shop around
For any major purchase, you’d shop around. The same applies when choosing a lawyer. Even for the same legal services, prices can vary significantly between providers.
- Remote services can save you money
Many legal services are now offered remotely. Providers outside the main cities tend to be cheaper. If you’re open to working remotely with a provider outside your local area, you may save money. If you’re in London, for example, consider lawyers in North Wales.
- Check the firm’s website for prices
Not all providers publish prices on their websites, but for some services – including conveyancing – it’s now required. This type of transparency can help you compare options.
- Fixed fees offer better price certainty
When lawyers offer a fixed price for a legal service, it tends to work out cheaper than when they provide an estimate. For example, for a joint application for a divorce, the average fixed fee is £386 cheaper than the average estimate. Fixed fees are less likely to result in unexpected costs compared to open-ended estimates or hourly rates.
- Don’t assume that high quality means higher price
Firms that hold quality marks – such as an accreditation from the Law Society – demonstrate a commitment to high standards of service and customer care. The research revealed that these firms aren’t necessarily more expensive than those without accreditations. High quality doesn’t always come at a higher cost.
If you’re not sure whether you need legal help, or what type of legal professional you need to help with your issue, check Legal Choices. This website is run by the regulators of legal services and offers free, independent, and factual information about legal issues and legal advisers. It will also help you to search online for the type of legal professional you may need.
When you approach a lawyer or law firm, make sure to ask what’s included. You should understand what their fee covers. Ask about possible add-ons, timescales, and the qualifications of the person handling your case. Reputable firms will be happy to explain.
A full report about this research and an interactive dashboard of prices of legal services are available here.
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