Using a solicitor

A solicitor can explain your options, answer questions and guide you through legal processes. They can help you get the best outcome for your circumstances.

We recommend that you use a solicitor for:

• buying or selling a park home
• inheritance and wills
• applying to the tribunal

It’s also important to get legal advice if:

• you’re considering taking legal action against someone, such as a site owner
• the site owner or someone else is taking legal action against you

If you’re unable to resolve a park homes dispute, such as a disagreement with your site owner, a solicitor can advise on your rights and options.

They’ll advise on whether you’re likely to be successful if you go to court or apply to a tribunal. If you decide to take legal action, they can prepare your case and represent you.

Sometimes they can help you resolve a problem without going to court. For example, they might be able to write a formal letter that prompts the site owner to fix a problem.

You can find a solicitor using the Law Society Find a Solicitor website.

It’s best to find a solicitor with experience of park homes law. The Law Society website does not have a category for this, but some park homes solicitors may be listed under areas of practice such as “commercial property”, “housing law” or “neighbour disputes”.

The National Association of Park Home Residents (NAPHR) also lists some specialist park home solicitors on its website.

Local solicitors in your area are more likely to have experience of park homes than large law firms.

You can contact several solicitors before deciding who to use. Ask if they have experience of park homes cases. Explain your situation, and ask about how they can help and what their costs are.

You’ll need to consider the costs and benefits of using a solicitor. This will depend on how serious the problem is and how likely it is that legal action will be successful.

Costs will vary depending on the solicitor you choose and what services they provide.

You may be able to reduce costs by:

• working with your neighbours – if they’re affected by the same issue they may be willing to share solicitor costs
• using a solicitor for certain tasks only – for example you could ask a solicitor to prepare your tribunal application or court claim, but then represent yourself at the tribunal hearing

Solicitors must publish information about their prices and services on their website. They’ll also explain their costs when you first speak to them. You can get quotes from different solicitors before deciding who to use.

Your solicitor must keep you updated on costs and give you clear bills that explain their charges.

Find out more from the Law Society about paying for a solicitor

You might be able to get legal aid in some circumstances, if your case is serious and you cannot afford to pay for legal help. Check if you can get legal aid on GOV.UK.

Some solicitors offer a free or low-cost short initial appointment. You can contact a solicitor or check their website to see if they offer this.

The Leasehold Advisory Service offers free initial advice on park homes issues. Find out more and contact us.

Other ways you might be able to get help include:

• your local Law Centre
• Law Works free legal advice clinics

Find out more from Citizens Advice about how to find free or affordable legal help