When life’s biggest moments and toughest challenges come along, knowing when to seek professional legal advice can make all the difference. Whether you are buying a house, going through a divorce, handling a loved one’s estate, or dealing with childcare proceedings, expert guidance can save you from costly mistakes and unnecessary stress.
At Richards & Lewis, our team of experienced legal aid solicitors provides trusted support across property conveyancing, family law mediation, wills and probate, and child law matters. In this article, we’ll explore five common scenarios where seeking legal advice is not only helpful but essential – and how Richards & Lewis can help you achieve the best outcome.
1. Buying or Selling Property (Conveyancing)
For most people, buying or selling property is the largest financial transaction they will ever make. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, selling your family home, or transferring property as part of a divorce settlement, the process can seem overwhelming – with legal jargon, lengthy paperwork, and strict timelines to follow. Issues such as undisclosed rights of way, unclear property boundaries, or outstanding planning disputes can turn what should be an exciting milestone into a stressful experience. There is also the risk of financial loss if contracts are mishandled or key checks are missed.
Why Legal Advice Matters:
A qualified conveyancing solicitor ensures that all legal checks are carried out, manages the exchange of contracts, and protects your rights throughout the transaction. They will also explain the process in clear terms, so you know exactly what you are signing.
How Richards & Lewis Can Help:
We offer expert property conveyancing services, including where you may be eligible for legal aid, so you can move forward with confidence. Our solicitors handle the paperwork, liaise with the other party’s solicitor, and ensure a smooth and legally sound transaction.
2. Divorce & Financial Settlements
Divorce or separation is not just an emotional challenge – it is a legal process that has long-term consequences for your finances and family life. From deciding who gets the family home to dividing pensions, savings, and debts, fair financial settlements are essential to moving on with your life. Without guidance, these conversations can quickly escalate into costly and time-consuming battles in court.
Why Legal Advice Matters:
Without professional advice, you risk agreeing to unfair terms or leaving assets unprotected. A solicitor ensures that settlements are legally binding and reflect your rights and needs. They can also help with family law mediation, an alternative to court proceedings that encourages open discussion and reduces conflict.
How Richards & Lewis Can Help:
Our family law solicitors are experienced in guiding clients through divorce, mediation, and settlement negotiations. We work to protect your financial future while keeping the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
3. Wills, Probate & Estate Planning
Life is unpredictable, and planning for the future is one of the most important things you can do for your loved ones. Many people put off writing a will, leaving families unsure how to manage property, savings, and personal belongings after someone passes away. Writing a will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, while probate is the legal process of handling an estate after death.
Why Legal Advice Matters:
DIY wills or ignoring estate planning altogether can lead to disputes, unexpected tax liabilities, and delays in distributing assets. A probate lawyer can help executors navigate the process and avoid costly mistakes.
How Richards & Lewis Can Help:
Our wills and probate team offers compassionate, clear guidance for individuals planning their estates or families handling probate after a bereavement. We draft legally sound documents, help minimise inheritance tax, and support you through every stage of the process. 4. Child Law & Custody Disputes
When relationships break down, decisions about children can become emotionally charged. Parents may disagree about where the child should live, what school they should attend, or how much time they should spend with each parent. These disagreements can quickly escalate and cause distress for everyone involved – especially the children.
Why Legal Advice Matters:
Seeking advice early helps protect your parental rights and focus decisions on the child’s best interests. Mediation can be a helpful step before going to court, and if necessary, a solicitor can represent you in hearings to secure a child arrangements order.
How Richards & Lewis Can Help:
Our child law solicitors specialise in representing parents, grandparents, and guardians. We offer guidance on mediation, prepare court applications, and provide strong representation in disputes over contact, residence, and parental responsibility.
5. Care Proceedings & Social Services Involvement
Few things are more frightening for a parent than being contacted by social services about concerns for their child’s safety. Care proceedings are started when a local authority believes a child is at risk of harm, and these cases can move very quickly. Parents often feel overwhelmed, confused about their rights, and unsure how to respond.
Why Legal Advice Matters:
Immediate legal advice is crucial to ensure you understand your rights, respond to allegations, and present your case effectively. Without representation, you risk losing valuable opportunities to influence the outcome.
How Richards & Lewis Can Help:
As experienced legal aid solicitors, we can represent you at all stages of care proceedings – from initial meetings with social services to court hearings. We are committed to protecting your family and working towards the best possible outcome.
Moving Forward With Richards & Lewis
Legal issues can arise at any stage of life – from buying your first home to protecting your children’s future. When faced with these challenges, it can feel daunting to know where to turn. This is why seeking professional legal advice early is so important. Getting the right support not only helps you understand your rights but also gives you the confidence to make informed decisions that protect your family, your finances, and your future.
At Richards & Lewis, we believe that everyone should have access to high-quality legal support when they need it most. Our team of legal aid solicitors offers expert guidance in property conveyancing, family law mediation, divorce settlements, wills and probate, and care proceedings. Whether you are dealing with a complex legal dispute or simply want peace of mind that everything is being handled correctly, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Taking action now can prevent small issues from becoming major problems. If you are facing one of the scenarios we have discussed, or any other situation where you need clear legal advice, don’t wait until matters escalate. Reach out to our friendly team today to discuss your circumstances and find out how we can help you move forward with confidence.
Contact Richards & Lewis today to speak with one of our experienced solicitors and get the practical, reliable legal advice you need to protect what matters most.
