Needing a lawyer is stressful enough, without having to work out who to trust. There are thousands of solicitors and law firms in the UK, and if you've never used one before, it's hard to know where to start.

We've used solicitors for house moves, wills, probate advice, a dispute over selling an inherited house and an affidavit, and each one needed a different kind of help.

The good news is that there are some simple steps that make it much easier to find a good lawyer or solicitor for your situation. Here's how.

1. Work out what type of lawyer you need

Law covers many different fields of law, and most solicitors specialise in one or two areas. The solicitor who handled your house purchase isn't necessarily the right person for a divorce or a dispute with your employer.

So before you start searching, work out what kind of help you need. It might be conveyancing, family law, employment law, wills and probate, personal injury or something else.

If you're not sure, here's my guide to the types of lawyers in the UK.

It's also worth checking whether you actually need one, as you can do some things yourself. Here are the common situations where you might need a solicitor.

2. Ask for recommendations

Personal recommendations are one of the best ways to find a good solicitor. Ask friends, family or colleagues who have been through something similar, such as buying a house or getting divorced.

Just make sure the solicitor they recommend specialises in the type of help you need. A great conveyancing solicitor won't necessarily be the best person for an employment dispute.

3. Read reviews

Just as you'd read reviews before buying a new appliance or choosing an insurer, it's worth reading law firm reviews online before choosing a solicitor.

Look at Google reviews and independent review sites, and pay attention to what people say about communication, as well as results. A solicitor who doesn't return calls or keep you updated can make a stressful situation much worse.

Don't be put off by one or two negative reviews, but look out for patterns.

4. Use official search tools and directories

There are several trusted places to find a solicitor in the UK:

• The Law Society's Find a Solicitor: search for solicitors in England and Wales by location and area of law.
• The SRA register: check that a solicitor or firm is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
• Legal 500 and Chambers: independent rankings of law firms and lawyers, useful for more complex or high-value cases.
• The Law Society of Scotland and Law Society of Northern Ireland: if you live outside England and Wales, where the law is different.

If you need a lawyer in another country, such as the US, international directories like the Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory let you search for lawyers around the world and see peer ratings and reviews.

Directories aren't always up to date, so always check details directly with the firm before getting in touch.

5. Check they're qualified and regulated

Before you instruct anyone, check they're properly qualified and regulated. Solicitors should be on the SRA register, and barristers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board. Licensed conveyancers are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.

Using a regulated lawyer means you're protected if something goes wrong, and you can complain to the Legal Ombudsman if you're unhappy with the service.

6. Compare costs

Legal fees vary a lot, so it's worth comparing a few firms before you decide. Solicitors usually charge in one of three ways:

• Fixed fees: common for conveyancing, wills and simple divorces, so you know the cost upfront.
• Hourly rates: common for disputes and more complex cases, where it's hard to predict how much work is needed.
• No win no fee: common for personal injury claims. If you win, the solicitor takes a percentage of your compensation, which is capped at 25% of your damages for personal injury claims.

Many law firms now have to publish their prices for common services on their websites, so you can compare them easily. Always check whether quotes include VAT and extra costs, known as disbursements, such as search fees or court fees.

7. Look for free or low-cost legal help

If money is tight, there may be free or cheaper options available:

• Citizens Advice: free, confidential advice on lots of legal problems, and a good first step if you're not sure what to do.
• Legal aid: help with legal costs for some cases, such as criminal cases or family cases involving domestic abuse. It's means-tested, and you can check if you qualify on GOV.UK.
• LawWorks and law clinics: free (pro bono) advice from volunteer lawyers and law students for people who can't afford to pay.
• Legal expenses insurance: many home and car insurance policies include legal expenses cover, so check your policy before paying for advice yourself.
• Free initial consultations: some solicitors offer a free first chat, often 30 minutes, to see if they can help.
• Online legal advice services: we've used an online solicitor service before, and it was cheap and instant. It's a great way to find out your rights and be armed with some information before going down a more costly route, although I'd always get final, official advice from a solicitor in person.

GOV.UK also has guidance on alternatives to court, such as mediation, which can be quicker and cheaper.

8. Have a consultation and ask questions

Think of your first meeting as an interview. It's your chance to see if you're comfortable with the solicitor and confident they can help.

To make the most of any consultations, go prepared with a summary of your problem, key dates and any documents.

Questions worth asking include:

• How much experience do you have with cases like mine?
• Who will actually be working on my case?
• How much will it cost, and how will I be billed?
• What are the likely outcomes, and how long will it take?
• How will you keep me updated?
• Could this cause any problems for me in the future?

Trust your instincts too. You want someone who explains things clearly and doesn't rush you.

That last question is one I wish we'd asked.

We once agreed, on a solicitor's advice, to a restriction being put on the title of a house we'd inherited. It caused months of delays when we came to sell, and looking back, I wouldn't do it again.

If you're not sure about the advice you're given, it's worth getting a second opinion.

Final thoughts

Finding a good lawyer or solicitor takes a little research, but it's worth it. Work out what type of help you need, get recommendations, read reviews, check they're regulated and compare costs before you decide.

Taking the time to choose the right person can save you money, stress and a lot of hassle in the long run.

This guide is general information, not legal advice, so always speak to a qualified lawyer about your own situation.