How To Write an Email to Your Solicitor

catriona
Oct 20
5 min read

Taliah Drayak, PAR Development Lead and Parent Advocate has prepared a guide to write to your solicitor. When it comes to legal matters, effective communication with your solicitor is key. Email is often the quickest way to reach out, but crafting the right message can be challenging and can be time consuming as you worry over the tone, the wording etc. Whether you need advice, are providing documents, or have questions, knowing how to write a clear and effective email can significantly improve your interactions. In this post, we will outline strategies to help you communicate effectively with your solicitor via email.

When you’re involved in family court proceedings — whether it’s about child protection, private family law matter or pursing remedy — communication with your solicitor is crucial. A well-written email can save time, reduce misunderstandings, and help your solicitor represent you more effectively.

But when emotions are high, it’s not always easy to know where to start or how much to say. This guide will help you write a clear, useful letter that supports your case — and makes your solicitor’s job easier.

1. Start with the Purpose

Before you begin writing, think about why you’re contacting your solicitor.

Are you:

Updating them about a new development (for example, a change in contact, a new address, or an incident)?
Asking for legal advice or clarification?
Responding to a letter from the other side?
Preparing for a court hearing?

Start your letter by stating this clearly. For example:

“I’m writing to update you on an incident that happened during contact on Saturday.”or“I’d like some advice about the next steps before our upcoming hearing.”

This helps your solicitor immediately understand what your letter is about and respond efficiently.

2. Keep It Factual and Organised

In family law, emotions run deep — but solicitors (and courts) need facts, not feelings.

Try to:

Stick to relevant details: Who, what, where, and when.
Avoid long emotional explanations: Your solicitor understands it’s stressful — but too much detail can bury the important points.
Use bullet points or short paragraphs to make it easy to read.

Example:

On Saturday 12th October:• Contact was due from 10am–4pm.• The children were collected at 10:30am and returned at 3pm.• They appeared upset and said they had been shouted at.• I would like this recorded and advice on whether this should be reported to the court.

Clear, concise information like this allows your solicitor to act quickly and record evidence accurately.

3. Include Any Evidence or Documents

If you’re referring to messages, emails, photos, or reports, mention what you’re sending and why.

Example:

“I have attached screenshots of the text messages from 15th–16th October that show the changes to contact arrangements.”

Label attachments clearly (e.g. “Message 1 – 15 Oct”, “Photo A – 16 Oct”).This helps your solicitor link your evidence to your letter and use it effectively in your case.

4. Ask Specific Questions

Solicitors are more helpful when they know exactly what you want.Instead of a general question like “What should I do?”, try to be specific:

“Do I need to inform the social worker about this incident?”“Can this be raised at the next hearing?”“Should I keep further communication in writing only?”

This shows that you’re thinking carefully about the process — and makes it easier for your solicitor to give direct, actionable advice.

5. Be Respectful but Honest

You can be both assertive and polite. It’s okay to express when you’re feeling frustrated or confused, but keep it professional.

For example:

“I’m feeling very anxious about the lack of progress and would appreciate an update.”(Instead of: “Why aren’t you doing anything?!”)

Your solicitor is on your side — but they often manage heavy caseloads and strict deadlines. Respectful, clear communication keeps the relationship strong and effective.

6. Summarise and Clarify

At the end of your letter, summarise what you want to happen next.

Example:

“In summary, I would like you to:

Record this incident on file.
Advise whether I should notify the social worker.
Confirm if this issue will be raised at the next hearing.”

Then sign off simply with:

“Thank you for your help and guidance. Kind regards, [Your Name]”

7. Keep a Copy for Yourself

Always keep a copy of what you send — either by saving it on your computer or taking a photo of your handwritten letter. This can be important later if you need to show evidence of communication or advice received.

Final Thoughts

Writing to your solicitor doesn’t need to be intimidating. The goal isn’t to impress — it’s to inform. A useful letter is clear, factual, respectful, and purposeful.

Remember:

Your solicitor is your professional voice in the legal process.
The clearer you are, the stronger your representation becomes.
Good communication isn’t just paperwork — it’s a form of empowerment.

And above all, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you don’t understand something. You’re not expected to know the law — that’s your solicitor’s job. Your job is to tell your story clearly enough that they can fight for you effectively.

Template: Letter to Your Solicitor

Your Name:Your Address:Your Contact Number:Your Email:Date:

To: [Solicitor’s Name][Firm Name][Firm Address or Email]

Subject: [Brief description — e.g. “Update on Contact Arrangements” or “Request for Advice Before Hearing”]

Dear [Solicitor’s Name],

I’m writing to [state the purpose of your letter — for example, update you on a recent event, ask for advice, or provide information for my case].

Background / What Happened

[Explain briefly and factually. Keep sentences short and in order of events.]For example:

On [date], [what happened].
The people involved were [names/relationship if relevant].
The outcome was [brief description].

If relevant, include:

Dates and times
Who said or did what
Any witnesses or professionals involved

Evidence / Documents Attached

I’ve attached the following documents or evidence to support what I’m reporting:

[e.g. Screenshot of text messages dated …]
[e.g. Copy of school note / medical report / police reference]
[e.g. Photo labelled “A” taken on …]

Questions / Advice Requested

Please could you advise me on the following:

[Question or action you need help with]
[Question or action you need help with]
[Question or action you need help with]

Next Steps / What I Need to Happen

In summary, I would like you to:

[e.g. Record this incident on my file]
[e.g. Contact the other side’s solicitor for clarification]
[e.g. Confirm what will be raised at the next hearing]

Thank you for your help and ongoing support.Please let me know if you need any further information.

Kind regards,[Your Name]

Example (Filled-In Version)

Your Name: Sarah ThompsonAddress: 24 Meadow Close, EdinburghDate: 17 October 2025

To: Ms Jane PatelFamily Law Department, Legal Legal Ltd

Subject: Update and Advice – Contact Incident on 12 October

Dear Jane,

I’m writing to update you about an incident that happened during contact on Saturday 12th October and to ask for advice about how to handle it.

What Happened

Contact was due from 10am–4pm but my children were collected at 10:30am and returned at 3pm.
When they came home, they seemed upset and said their father shouted at them during the visit.
I noticed that my son was crying later that evening and said he didn’t want to go next time.

Evidence Attached

I’ve attached:

Screenshots of text messages from their father confirming the late pick-up.
A note from my daughter’s school from Monday 14th October mentioning she appeared withdrawn.

Advice Requested

Please could you advise: