Making the decision to contact a family lawyer can often feel overwhelming. We have compiled some useful practical advice below to help you make the most out of your first meeting with a family solicitor.
4 min read
As early as possible. Even if you are not yet sure about whether you and your partner will separate, it doesn’t hurt to engage a solicitor at a very early stage. There are often practical considerations that we can suggest to set the foundation for a smoother separation and ultimately, a better outcome.
If you are looking for advice on what is likely to happen in respect of the finances, make a list of the assets and liabilities that you and your partner have, as well as their likely values. We have a form that we send to new clients before the first meeting, which enables you to record this information in advance. This often makes for a more productive initial meeting.
If you are seeking advice in relation to the arrangements for your children, you will be asked about your child’s current routine, so make sure that you have this information to hand. It is also helpful to think about your long-term objectives, and make sure you communicate these to your solicitor during the meeting.
Regardless of whether your first meeting is to discuss finances, children, or both, it is a good idea to make a list in advance of any questions you want answered. If you are nervous or emotional, you may forget to ask key things, and noting them down in advance just helps ensure you leave the meeting feeling as well informed as possible.
During the meeting itself, consider the below tips to make the most out of your time with your solicitor:
1. Take notes. You will get a lot of information during the meeting, and you may well be nervous and find that you don’t absorb the information well. Taking notes is a great way of retaining what your solicitor says, so that you can then reflect on the advice later.
2. Be as open and honest as possible and don’t withhold any information from your solicitor. The advice you receive is only as good as the information on which it is based.
3. Focus on the practical issues and try not to let emotions cloud your judgment. While it is undoubtedly a difficult and emotional time, your solicitor is there to give you practical and realistic advice on the law and what is likely to happen. Try to ensure that your instructions to your solicitor are clear and aren’t clouded by your emotions towards your ex-partner. If you need someone to talk to outside of friends and family about your emotions, we are happy to put you in touch with a divorce coach or therapist.
Many people often say that they dread the initial meeting with a solicitor, so if you are feeling this way, you are not alone. We are always happy to have a short phone call with you prior to any initial meeting, as we understand how important it is that you feel confident in your choice of family lawyer.
Ultimately, our job is to give you the best advice possible and ensure that you are clear on the legal and practical implications going forward. Rest assured that clients often report feeling much better after their initial meeting, and much more confident about their future and the process ahead.
Combining deep technical expertise with empathy and clear advice, our specialists can guide you through divorce, financial settlements, child arrangements and pre-nuptial plans.
Our specialist divorce solicitors provide support through divorce, dissolution and separation. We combine deep expertise and strong advocacy with human understanding to help you move forward.
We advise on financial settlements, including: property, businesses, pensions, maintenance and asset division. We’ll provide clear guidance and resolution through negotiation, mediation or court proceedings.
From living arrangements and parental responsibility to disputes, relocation and financial provision – our family solicitors provide dedicated support that’s tailored to your circumstances.
Our family solicitors will work to find practical solutions without unnecessary court proceedings. This includes support with financial and family disputes, using mediation.
We advise unmarried couples when they are moving in together or separating. Our experts will guide you through cohabitation agreements and disputes, covering property, finances, children and financial provision.
We advise on both pre- and postnuptial agreements, helping couples to protect assets, clarify financial arrangements and address international matters with structured advice, shaped to the individuals.
Our discreet solicitors provide confidential support, advising on protective measures including non-molestation and occupation orders to help protect you and your family.
Our family solicitors can support you through mediation and act as mediators, helping to resolve financial and family disputes constructively – avoiding any unnecessary conflict or cost.
Divorce
Once you have made the difficult decision that your marriage has come to an end, one of the next steps is determining how the finances will be divided between you and your former partner.
Divorce
You have just made a life changing decision to divorce or separate from your spouse. But now what?
Partner & Head of Family Law
3 min read
Divorce
Judith approached us as her and her husband, Henry, had decided that the time to separate had unfortunately arrived. They had been married for around 12 years.
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