I believe that, with the help of this BLOG, the majority of readers will be able to deal with their divorce and sort out arrangements for children and finances without having to instruct a solicitor. However, there may be times when matters become too complex for any reasonably capable person to deal with without legal help, and some occasions when you will have to instruct a solicitor, for example when a house sale or transfer is required (mortgage lenders will insist that a solicitor or licensed conveyancer deal with such transactions). This BLOG will always inform you when this is the case and, where appropriate, give you some indication of the likely cost involved.
If you do need to instruct a solicitor (other than simply for conveyancing work) then I would recommend that you consult one who is a member of Resolution, an organisation of family lawyers whose members follow a code of practice that promotes a non-confrontational approach to family problems. Such an approach reduces animosity, increases the chance of settlement (thereby reducing costs) and, above all, is in the best interests of children. For details of Resolution, including how to find a Resolution member, see Appendix 2.