If you’ve ever wondered what civil solicitors Portsmouth do or what the difference between a criminal and civil solicitor is, then wonder no more! The legal system can seem like a world of its own and many people hope that they will never have to rely on the services of a legal team. However, it is highly likely that at some point in your life, you will in fact need a solicitor, but it’s not all about the defence dramas you watch on TV. Criminal law is the system that seeks to punish those whom the police believe have committed a criminal offence, by breaking a law set out in the legal system. In the civil courts, solicitors deal with disputes between parties, including individuals and organisations. However, civil solicitors also deal with conveyancing (buying and selling property), probate (wills), alongside disputes such as family law (divorce, arrangements for children etc), personal injury and powers of attorney (having the legal right to manage someone’s affairs when they are no longer able to do so). Here’s the information on some main areas of civil law.
Conveyancing
In what should be an exciting period of your life, buying and selling property can actually be extremely stressful. Finding a solicitor who can smooth the road for the legalities of this momentous event is essential. Conveyancing solicitors can ensure that you don’t end up investing in a property that has legal implications that you weren’t expecting which can have negative repercussions for your particular situation. For example, some properties may be in a flood risk area and your solicitor would be able to identify this risk and order flood reports for you, so that you can make an informed decision before you sign on the dotted line. Investing in a reputable and experienced legal team can pay dividends in the long run.
Probate
Whether you have to act as a ‘personal representative’ for a will, or you want to plan ahead and make your own, a civil solicitor will be able to assist you in these matters. Probate can be a complicated area of law that requires expert guidance to ensure that your wishes, or those of a loved one, are carried out as intended. If you are made a personal representative for a will, there are legal responsibilities that you must fulfil and this can be daunting when you have lost somebody. A solicitor will be able to help you by taking the weight off your shoulders and applying for the ‘grant of representation’, paying off debts on the estate, and helping you to organise the distribution of the remaining assets. If you wish to make a will, a solicitor will also ensure that your will is legally sound and that there is the best chance that your wishes are carried out after you have passed away.
Family law
It is always sad when there are disputes in the family, but if you need a divorce, to get finances agreed and make arrangements for any children you may have, then a civil solicitor will be able to help. Whether you require support through mediation or a legal application such as that for a divorce, an experienced solicitor should be able to handle your affairs with sensitivity and expertise that can help to alleviate some of the burden for you.
Which solicitor?
With so many solicitors available, you are spoilt for choice. Choosing a firm that has a sound reputation and success rate is important; you may also look for their accreditation with reputable organisations for the field such as the Law Society. The Law Society has an accreditation scheme for conveyancing, for example, known as the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) and this may be something worth researching before choosing who to go with.