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When facing a family law issue, whether it is the breakdown of a marriage, disputes about children, or the urgent need for protection, it can feel overwhelming. Many people hesitate before speaking to a solicitor, sometimes hoping the situation will improve on its own. Others worry about the cost of advice or feel unsure about what legal help would actually achieve.
But recent research has shown that getting legal advice early can make a real difference. Not only to the outcome, but also to the stress, cost, and time it takes to resolve a case.
At Waely Law, we regularly see the benefits when clients come to us early, before matters escalate. From divorce and separation to children’s arrangements and domestic abuse protection, early advice often sets the tone for a smoother journey ahead.
Early Legal Advice Leads to Faster Resolutions
One of the clearest findings from national research is that people who seek legal advice early resolve their problems faster. A study by the Law Society found that around 25% of people who obtained early legal advice resolved their issue within 3–4 months, compared to 9 months for those who delayed. Those who waited were also significantly less likely to resolve their issue at all¹.
How long it takes to resolve issues with vs. without early legal advice
In practice, this means that someone who gets advice at the first signs of marital breakdown is far more likely to reach a financial settlement quickly, or to agree workable child arrangements without prolonged conflict. In contrast, those who wait often find themselves in more entrenched disputes that can take months, or even years, to untangle.
The Hidden Cost Savings of Early Advice
It is not only individuals who benefit from seeking early advice — society as a whole does. A 2024 report from the Bar Council and Access to Justice Foundation revealed that every £1 spent on early legal advice generated around £2.71 in savings for the public purse². This is because early intervention often prevents issues escalating into expensive, drawn-out court cases.
For clients, the savings are just as real. By addressing problems early, solicitors can help identify efficient strategies, reduce the need for repeated applications, and even suggest practical steps clients can take themselves to keep legal costs down. At Waely Law, we often guide clients on how to prepare documentation or gather evidence in advance, which can make proceedings faster and more affordable.
Why People Delay Seeking Help
Despite the clear benefits, many people still wait. Some do not realise that legal advice can help in the early stages. Others worry about costs, or assume that seeing a solicitor means going straight to court.
In reality, early advice often keeps cases out of court. For example, discussing financial remedy options or exploring mediation with the guidance of a solicitor can give both parties a clearer picture of what is realistic. This reduces conflict and increases the chances of reaching agreement without litigation.
Protecting Children and Reducing Stress
Delays in family law are not only financially draining, they can also take a toll on children. Research has repeatedly highlighted that lengthy disputes in the family court system put children at risk of emotional harm³.
Getting advice early means parents are more likely to put stable arrangements in place quickly. At Waely Law, we focus on creating solutions that prioritise the best interests of children, whether through child arrangements orders, specific issue orders, or negotiated agreements that give children stability and reassurance.
A System Moving Towards Early Advice
There is also growing recognition at policy level that early legal advice is crucial. Pilot schemes are now being developed to provide separating parents with access to initial advice, particularly around child arrangements, before disputes reach court⁴.
This shift reflects what many solicitors have known for years: that the earlier people get clear legal guidance, the better the outcomes are; for clients, families, and society as a whole.
The Waely Law Approach
At Waely Law, we believe that no one should feel they have to face the uncertainty of family law alone. Early advice does not have to be intimidating or expensive — it can be as simple as an initial consultation where we listen to your story, explain your options, and give you a roadmap for next steps.
Whether you are worried about how to start the divorce process, need urgent protection through a non-molestation order, or simply want to know where you stand financially, speaking to a solicitor early can bring clarity and confidence.
If you are unsure about your situation, the best step you can take is to reach out and start the conversation. The sooner you do, the more options you will have.
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Sources
¹ Law Society / Ipsos MORI research on early legal advice Law Gazette
² Bar Council & Access to Justice Foundation report on savings from early advice Bar Council
³ Report on risks to children from delays in family courts The Times
⁴ Law Society commentary on government pilots for early advice Law Society