Last Updated on 5th March 2025
My solicitor messed up my divorce. Can I claim compensation?
We are regularly contacted by people complaining, “my solicitor messed up my divorce.” If you are in that position and would like to know where you stand then contact us for a free case assessment, and details of no win, no fee funding.
Divorce is never a pleasant experience, so when it goes wrong the effect can be devastating.
As with most legal disputes, an element of compromise on both sides is needed in order to reach a settlement. This means that people rarely walk away from a divorce or separation feeling 100% satisfied. However, while that sense of dissatisfaction is in most cases an unavoidable consequence of the legal process, occasionally the outcome is made worse by the actions (or inactions) of a solicitor.
What can go wrong during the divorce process?
There is much that can go wrong during a divorce or separation which can in turn lead to significant financial loss being suffered. Examples include:
- Under-settling the financial claim;
- Failing to identify a matrimonial asset;
- Failing to prevent dissipation of matrimonial assets;
- Incorrect valuation of assets, especially property and pensions;
- Failing to comply with a Court order leading to all or part of a claim being struck out;
- Incorrectly drafting any settlement agreements or court orders; and
- Failing to implement a Court Order.
Can I sue the solicitor who messed up my divorce?
If your solicitor (or barrister) messed up and caused you material financial loss, then yes, you may be able to bring a compensation claim on the basis of professional negligence.
However, please bear in mind that because you did not receive everything you had hoped for, it does not necessarily mean your legal team were negligent. To bring a legal action you will have to prove that they acted in a way that no reasonably competent solicitor or barrister (with similar qualifications and experience) would have done. Furthermore, you have to show that your losses stem directly from that negligence, and not from any other causes.
Free consultation
If you are thinking of making a compensation claim against the solicitor who messed up your divorce and have suffered loss exceeding £10,000. then you can contact our top rated lawyers for a free consultation. We will look at what you think the solicitor got wrong, and the financial loss you have suffered as a result. If there are grounds for a claim then we will be happy to consider working on a no win no fee basis.
