How it works

Book a 30 minute obligation free first appointment with a solicitor directly via our website. You can speak to us via phone, MS Teams or in person if we have meeting rooms nearby. This appointment will enable you to obtain information, advice and suggested ‘next steps’ which are specific to your family situation. Alternatively, if you prefer, jump right in for a fixed price 90 minute Strategy Session.

Are you wanting us to delve into detail and obtain more specific legal advice? Perhaps you are keen to get some legal advice around what a reasonable parenting arrangement looks like before you go to mediation. You may want a better idea of what your property settlement entitlements are before you continue direct negotiation with your ex partner. These Strategy Sessions include up to 60mins with a solicitor, 10 minute reading time so that the solicitor can consider that prior to speaking with you can consider any relevant document/s (if applicable).

At the end of the Strategy Session you will have a much clearer guidance on the options available to you and some practical steps to take which will be provided in writing for you.

During your consultation we will spend time listening to you and taking background information specific to your family situation. We will provide no obligation preliminary advice and guidance. Many clients at this point feel a huge sense of relief and as though they are getting some clear direction and have had some of their ‘burning questions’ answered.

Depending on your circumstances and your goals, at the end of the 30 minute consultation we will suggest some ‘next steps’ for you. The next steps may include things that you can start doing yourself without a lawyer (such as suggestions for mediation or how to starting putting together property documents yourself). We may also recommend a longer fixed fee advice session so we can delve into a lot more specific advice. We may have other suggestions of how we can assist. This will all depend on your budget and goals and we will likely give you a few options. We will always recommend that you stay out of Court if not required.

If any further work is suggested then we will email you our costs agreement for your consideration. This allows you to consider this in your own time.

If you want to engage Shorter Legal then it is e-signed by you and payment is made into our solicitor trust account.

Your matter is then allocated to one of our solicitors based on the complexity and urgency of your matter. We will then let you know what we need from you (if anything) and contact you to arrange further appointments at mutually convenient times.