What can I expect at my first meeting with a divorce solicitor?

You will understandably be quite apprehensive about your first meeting with a divorce solicitor to discuss a divorce or other family legal matter.

An effective family solicitor will provide reassurance, empathy and understanding at what can be an extremely difficult time.

What will happen at the first meeting?

Some family lawyers, including us, offer a free initial consultation to discuss matters such as divorce, separation and issues relating to children.

This enables you to gain some understanding of what options are available and how matters might proceed on a free-of-charge, no-obligation basis. Every family’s circumstances are different so this initial meeting gives your solicitor an opportunity to offer some practical advice that’s tailored to your individual situation.

What do I need to bring with me?

It is advisable to take as much information as possible with you to the initial meeting as this allows your solicitor to provide advice that’s specific to your circumstances.

For example, if you are looking to resolve a financial and property matter then it will assist your solicitor if you have details of your own and your spouse’s financial circumstances. It is not essential to have this information, but it will enable more specific advice to be offered up-front. If you do not have details of your spouse’s financial circumstances then your solicitor can ask your spouse, or your spouse’s solicitor, to provide this information following the initial meeting.

What happens if I go ahead with proceedings?

If you wish your solicitor to issue divorce proceedings on your behalf then you will need your original marriage certificate with you, or details of when and where you were married so that a certified copy can be obtained.

If the matter relates to resolving a dispute over your children then you will need to be able give details of the current arrangements for the children, where they are currently living, how often they spend time with you and your former spouse or partner and the arrangements for financial support.

If you have previously been involved in court proceedings then it would also assist to have copies of the court paperwork from these previous proceedings with you.

Our approach

At Harrison Drury, we understand that you may feel anxious or emotional about your situation. We hope that by taking some initial advice you will feel more at ease and confident about how to proceed.

That’s why we offer a free initial consultation on a no-obligation basis. If you decide to proceed, our divorce solicitors in Preston, Garstang, Kendal and Lancaster, will offer advice and support every step of the way.

To arrange a meeting to discuss your family legal matters, or to discuss any aspect of family law, contact Janine Hutson on 01772 258321.