FOLLOWING the high profile Mills/McCartney divorce, the Law Society is advising anyone considering divorce to seek good legal advice from a solicitor.

Andrew Holroyd, Law Society president, said: "The Law Society advises litigants to seek the services of a legal professional to represent them in court.

"It is essential for litigants to seek professional advice at the very least to ensure the correct documentation is in place and that no important issues have been overlooked.

"Solicitors help ensure the best outcome for the parties involved. Litigants in person (those who represent themselves in court) will often come up against their opposite party's solicitor, which can be intimidating and is hardly an even match, so having your own legal knight to represent your cause will help boost your chances in court.

"A solicitor will also be able to deal with the masses of paperwork involved in a divorce.

"The DIY approach could be useful in very straightforward cases but it is safe to at least get a solicitor to check everything is covered, otherwise it could result in an unsatisfactory settlement."

Your solicitor will send you copies of any significant letters they receive relating to your divorce. They will also give you regular updates on the progress of the case and details of any costs involved.

If you are at risk from domestic abuse at any stage, your solicitor will make it a priority to discuss all possible ways of keeping you and your children safe.

The legal formality of getting a divorce is a relatively straightforward process. What is generally much less straightforward is sorting out the practical issues associated with a divorce, such as where each person will live, who gets what and arrangements for any children.

Before agreeing matters with your husband or wife, it is wise to take advice from a solicitor about your rights and the options available to you.

The Law Society provides a free guide to helping you know your rights when contemplating divorce. To download the free guide, visit http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/choosingandusing/commonlegalproblems.law.

The guide is also available in a number of languages and in English large print format.

You can request Braille, audio or CD versions. If you would like one of those versions, e-mail accessibility@lawsociety.org.uk or phone 0870 606 2555.

You can also get the guide from your solicitor or order a printed copy from the Law Society. Call 0870 3333 084.