Making the decision to speak to a family solicitor can feel like a big step. Whether you have recently separated or are simply considering your options, an initial meeting will help you understand where you stand legally, what your rights are and what comes next. At Dudden Law we will do all that we can to ensure that you leave the initial meeting with all the information that you need so as to ensure the process is as clear and as possible
Here is what to expect from your first meeting with a family solicitor, what information to bring with you and how to make the most of your meeting.
Why the Initial Meeting Matters
The initial meeting is an opportunity for you to obtain information about the legal process, have your questions answered and discuss any concerns you may have.
A meeting can be arranged whether you are ready to proceed with making an application for a divorce or even if you are still unsure as there is no obligation to proceed with anything following the initial meeting. We are always willing to have a chat with you and help put your mind at ease.
What You’ll Talk About
Your relationship
Your solicitor will need to know some information regarding your marriage in order to be able to to offer accurate advice, which includes:
- When you got married or entered into a civil partnership
- When you started cohabiting
- Whether you’ve already separated
- Any children of the marriage
- Your current living arrangements
Children arrangements
If you have children we will also discuss with you the arrangements that are currently in place and how these might change post separation. We can also discuss any concerns you may have and provide advice as to possible solutions. The Court will prioritise the welfare of the children and want to ensure that the children spend time with both parents.
Your goals and concerns
It’s important to be open about what you want from the divorce which may include wanting to stay in the family home, protecting your financial position or securing contact with your children.
Your solicitor will explain what is realistic, how the Court will approach such situations and how to approach negotiations in a way that protects your interests.
What to bring with you
You don’t need to bring a lot of paperwork for the first meeting, but bringing a few key items can help such as your marriage certificate (if available), any relevant Court documents, a rough list of assets and debts and brief notes about your children’s living arrangements and school details.
You might also want to bring a list of questions you would like to ask as having such discussions can be quite emotional and it can be easy to forget the things you wanted to ask.
What happens after the initial meeting?
After the initial meeting, you should hopefully have a much better understanding of the legal process and the timeframes and be able to make an informed decision as to how you would like to proceed, if and when you do. There is no need to make any immediate decisions or need to take any immediate action. Many clients will use the initial meeting to gather information and then take time to reflect.
Final thoughts
Meeting with a family solicitor simply means that you are taking a proactive step to understand your rights, responsibilities, and options in the event you do decide to proceed with an application for divorce. At Dudden Law we are here to support you through this process with clarity, compassion, and practical legal advice.
If you’re considering divorce or simply want to have a better understanding of your position, get in touch with our family law team to arrange a free initial consultation.