Direct Access

A direct access barrister will be able to give immediate advice but will not necessarily expect to undertake any additional work. The benefit to clients is a proper understanding of where they stand, what their options are and what steps might be taken without committing to ongoing legal expenses.

Clients generally need immediate advice when a relationship ends to understand their rights and obligations regarding their children and their former spouse or partner. They need advice on how their joint assets might be divided and on how to manage financially in the meantime. Some will need advice about a situation that may be dangerous or abusive or on how to get their ex out of the family home. Some people will need urgent advice to prevent their children being removed.

With advice clients can act to resolve their situation directly with their ex and need to take further advice only if they cannot reach an amicable agreement. In that case they can return to their direct access barrister to:

• Discuss applying for court orders
• Seek advice about any court action their ex may be taking against them
• Receive help with drafting statements and other court documents
• Be represented at court hearings

How do Direct Access Barristers Charge?

Barristers usually charge by the hour for meetings, telephone advice and reading or drafting documents. Court representation is usually carried out for a fixed fee that will include all the preparatory work and a follow up letter setting out what happened during the hearing and what needs to be done next. All payments are made in advance so clients know exactly how much each stage of the work will cost and bills are not being run up unexpectedly. Direct access is not suitable for clients who may be eligible for Legal Aid, who will need to apply for funding through a solicitor.

Cost Saving

It is difficult to estimate how much money clients may save by using a direct access barrister instead of paying a solicitor, and possibly a barrister too. Each case is different and the cost saving will depend on how much of the work clients are able to do themselves. As the barrister will not undertake the day to day running of a case the savings are likely to be significant. Furthermore because clients pay in advance there are no nasty shocks when a bill arrives. The client’ control how much is spent as the case progresses.

Step by Step Guide to Instructing me for your Case

For more information or to see how a direct access barrister can help, please contact me today 07577 552908 or Email: info@dinahloebbarrister.co.uk