"What people often underestimate is the value of having someone neutral to manage the process. A solicitor not only ensures documents are watertight, but can also reduce conflict and keep discussions constructive"
- Andrew Flagg - Stephen Rimmer
A new study by south east law firm Stephen Rimmer has highlighted concerns about the growing number of people attempting to manage legal disputes without professional support, often unaware of the financial and legal risks involved.
The research examined UK Google search activity over the past 12 months to identify the types of disputes most frequently approached without solicitors. A variety of related search terms were grouped into broader categories, with average monthly search volumes calculated to rank the top eight areas of interest. These range from family agreements and divorce to property disputes and debt recovery.
The eight disputes most commonly handled by Brits themselves are:
General dispute resolution
Prenuptial agreements
Cohabitation agreements
Separation agreements
General divorce
Commercial property
Residential property
Debt recovery
General dispute resolution ranked first, generating 1,170 monthly searches. Of these, 1,000 were specifically for “letter before action template.” Conflicts with neighbours, landlords, or employers may appear straightforward, but without legal guidance, they can quickly escalate.
Family law also featured prominently, with 3,540 monthly searches. Among these, “diy divorce UK” attracted 500 searches, “prenuptial agreement UK template” had 200, and both “separation agreement template UK” and “cohabitation agreement template” recorded 250 each. While cost-saving often motivates DIY attempts, family disputes typically involve complex financial arrangements or childcare considerations.
Property conflicts, both commercial and residential, also drew attention, where mistakes can carry significant financial consequences. Commercial conveyancing received 130 monthly searches, including 90 for “commercial eviction notice template.” Residential property queries totalled 60, with 30 for “rent arrears letter template UK” and 20 for “noise complaint letter to council template.”
Debt recovery concluded the top eight, with 50 searches per month. Of these, 30 focused on “debt recovery letter template UK.” Many appear to assume that a simple template will secure repayment, despite strict procedural requirements.
Andrew Flagg, partner and head of dispute resolution at Stephen Rimmer, says, “It’s no surprise that people are tempted by DIY law. When you’re under financial pressure or want something resolved quickly, turning to the internet feels like the simplest option."
“While these options may appear cheaper and more convenient, the research highlights a worrying reality: DIY legal action often leads to unenforceable agreements, escalating disputes and higher costs in the long run."
“Other common pitfalls include relying on generic templates that don’t cover individual circumstances, missing strict court deadlines, or misinterpreting complex legal rules, all of which can leave people without the protection they thought they had."
“What people often underestimate is the value of having someone neutral to manage the process. A solicitor not only ensures documents are watertight, but can also reduce conflict and keep discussions constructive."
“A solicitor’s role is also to tailor solutions to each case, resolve matters efficiently, and prevent mistakes that could otherwise lead to drawn-out disputes. That support provides clients with clarity, reassurance and peace of mind.”
