Wikivorce or local specialist solicitor?

Hi

About two weeks ago I engaged a local family law solicitor to deal with my divorce, having been separated for about two and half years.

They are one of the UK''s top family law firms, but because my earnings are quite modest and my finances are just the matrimonial home and the odd pension, they agreed their minimum hourly rate of £200/hr. So far so good.

Then I pushed for an estimated total cost to include the financial settlement and WOW! I was give a figure somewhere between £5,000 and £10,000 in addition to the divorce consent!

I just don''t know where they can get such a figure from for such a simple and common financial situation.

Having paid a £1,000 deposit, I''m tempted to disengage this law firm and go with Wikivorce instead.

My circumstances are:
I am a 57 yo male, £30 - 35K salary, married since 1981.
Three grown up children, youngest is 23yo.
Matrimonial home recently valued at £350 - 370K.
Remaining mortgage c.£68K.
No investments, no other property, just odd small pensions from various jobs.
Spouse 54yo, Health Care Support Worker, c £20K salary.

I am the Petitioner, and I have my spouse''s written agreement that she is willing to proceed with the divorce, and is willing to sell the family home, with a mostly 50/50 split (I can expect her to be awarded slightly more as she has the lower income).

The only financial issue might be that I would expect some part of her inheritance due from her elderly parents when they die (both in their mid-eighties), as my surviving parent died whilst we were together, and since we have always had everything in joint names, it only seems fair to include this in any settlement.

If there is anything here that the Wikivorce fixed fee solicitors couldn''t handle as part of the special low pricing then fair enough, but to a novice it appears pretty basic and straightforward.

If I''ve left anything out please ask, and I will be extremely grateful for any advice offered.

Regards to all
David

Hi David,

As you and your wife are in agreement then the Wikivorce services will most likely be ideal for you. The best thing to do.would be to call the helpline on 01202805020 after 9am tomorrow and have a chat with an adviser who will be able to discuss your situation with you and if the Wikivorce services are suitable for you.