5 Myths About Solicitors

Myth 1: I have to respond to every solicitor’s letter.
→ Truth: You are not legally obliged to respond to a solicitor’s letter unless ordered by the court. Some letters are designed to pressure or intimidate. You can choose to reply, ignore, or seek advice before responding.

Myth 2: Solicitors are neutral professionals.
→ Truth: A solicitor represents their client’s interests. They may use persuasive language or tactics that seem authoritative—but they are not neutral decision-makers.

Myth 3: I need to copy everything I send to court to the solicitor.
→ Truth: Only documents ordered by the court, or that are part of court directions, need to be shared. Oversharing can sometimes be used against you strategically.

Myth 4: I must follow a solicitor’s advice.
→ Truth: You are not required to agree with or act on the solicitor’s interpretation of the law. You can take time, ask for clarity, or seek support from legal charities or advisors.

Myth 5: If I don’t reply, I’ll be seen as uncooperative.
→ Truth: Courts assess your behaviour based on your actions in court and your compliance with court orders—not your replies to solicitor correspondence.

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1. "I don’t have to respond to everything straight away!"

Legal Reference: Responding to Solicitor Letters

There is no legal obligation to respond to a solicitor’s letter unless:

• The letter is attached to a formal court application.

• A court order compels you to respond.

Solicitor letters are often part of pre-action correspondence and do not carry legal weight by themselves. You cannot be penalised by the court solely for choosing not to respond to a letter. However, ignoring them entirely may sometimes be disadvantageous, especially if the matter proceeds to court.

✅ Authoritative Sources:

• Family Procedure Rules 2010, Part 3: Non-court dispute resolution – Solicitor correspondence may be encouraged, but there is no enforceable duty to reply.

• Law Society Guidance on Pre-Action Protocols – Emphasises the spirit of cooperation, but not an enforceable legal obligation:
  Law Society – Pre-action protocols