Common Questions
Answers to common legal questions
General information about contacting a solicitor and the legal processes our teams regularly handle.
Criminal Defence
When should I contact a criminal defence solicitor?
As early as possible. Advice at the investigation stage can affect interview strategy, bail, evidence preservation and the future direction of the case.
Learn about Criminal DefenceCan you represent me at the police station?
Yes. We advise and attend in relation to arrest, detention, voluntary interviews and interviews under caution.
Learn about Criminal DefenceDo you deal with serious Crown Court cases?
Yes. We prepare and conduct criminal cases with experienced counsel where appropriate.
Learn about Criminal DefencePolice Station Representation
Is a voluntary interview serious?
Yes. A voluntary interview is normally conducted under caution and may form an important part of a criminal investigation.
Learn about Police Station RepresentationWill asking for a solicitor make me look guilty?
No. Legal advice is a basic safeguard and helps ensure you understand the allegation and your options.
Learn about Police Station RepresentationIs police station advice available urgently?
Urgent criminal matters should be raised by telephone on our urgent criminal and police-station line.
Learn about Police Station RepresentationRoad Traffic Accidents
Can I choose my own solicitor after an accident?
Yes. You may obtain independent legal advice rather than relying only on a solicitor suggested by an insurer.
Learn about Road Traffic AccidentsWhat evidence should I keep?
Photographs, witness details, dashcam footage, police information, treatment records and proof of financial loss may all be relevant.
Learn about Road Traffic AccidentsHow long will a claim take?
Timescales depend on liability, recovery, medical evidence and whether proceedings are required.
Learn about Road Traffic AccidentsPersonal Injury
What is needed to prove a personal injury claim?
A claim normally requires evidence of fault, injury and the losses caused by the accident.
Learn about Personal InjuryWill I need a medical report?
Independent medical evidence is commonly required to describe the injury, treatment, prognosis and future impact.
Learn about Personal InjuryShould I accept an early offer?
Obtain advice before accepting an offer, particularly where recovery is incomplete or future loss is uncertain.
Learn about Personal InjuryFamily Law
Can family disputes be resolved without court?
Some matters can be resolved through focused correspondence or negotiation. Court may be necessary where agreement is not possible or protection is required.
Learn about Family LawWhat does the court consider in children cases?
The welfare of the child is central. The court considers the individual circumstances and the statutory welfare factors.
Learn about Family LawCan you act in urgent family proceedings?
Urgent advice may be available where immediate protective or children-related issues arise.
Learn about Family LawCivil Litigation
Should I write to the other party before court?
A focused pre-action letter may clarify the issues, preserve your position and create an opportunity to resolve the dispute.
Learn about Civil LitigationWhat documents should I bring?
Contracts, correspondence, invoices, photographs, notes and a clear chronology are often important.
Learn about Civil LitigationWill the case definitely go to trial?
No. Many disputes resolve through negotiation, admissions, mediation or settlement before trial.
Learn about Civil LitigationJudicial Review & Human Rights
What is judicial review?
Judicial review is a High Court procedure used to examine the lawfulness of a public decision or failure to act.
Learn about Judicial Review & Human RightsAre there short time limits?
Yes. Judicial review must be pursued promptly and strict limits may apply, so early advice is essential.
Learn about Judicial Review & Human RightsCan judicial review change the decision itself?
The court usually reviews lawfulness rather than substituting its own decision. The available remedy depends on the case.
Learn about Judicial Review & Human RightsConveyancing
When should I instruct a solicitor?
Ideally as soon as you decide to buy or sell so identification, funding and initial documents can be addressed early.
Learn about ConveyancingWhat does a conveyancing solicitor check?
Title, searches, contract papers, lender requirements, enquiries and the arrangements for completion and registration.
Learn about ConveyancingHow long does conveyancing take?
Timescales vary with the chain, title, searches, mortgage arrangements and responses from other parties.
Learn about ConveyancingClear advice. Practical next steps.
Speak to a Belfast solicitor
Tell us briefly about your matter and we will direct your enquiry to the appropriate team.
