
The prospect of meeting a solicitor about a divorce, separation, or the dissolution of a civil partnership for the first time can feel daunting, especially for those who have never sought legal advice before. For many, the stakes are even higher, involving complex financial arrangements, significant assets, and critical decisions regarding children.
In this context, ‘divorce or separation’ includes the dissolution of a civil partnership, where applicable.
Preparing for the Challenge
When facing any significant life change, being well-prepared is crucial. Here, expert divorce and separation solicitor Alastair Sinclair offers some top tips ahead of your first meeting with your solicitor.
Why Do I Need a Divorce Solicitor?
Divorces can be complex, particularly when it comes to separating finances and property or deciding on child arrangements. Seeking advice from an experienced solicitor like myself offers you extensive legal knowledge tailored to your unique situation. Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, professional legal advice ensures your interests are protected.
Opting for an online ‘DIY’ divorce might seem appealing to cut costs and speed up the process, but it often overlooks critical issues concerning child arrangements and financial settlements. To avoid potential pitfalls and ensure a comprehensive resolution, it is best to seek professional legal advice.
As a qualified solicitor working with Legal 100 law firm Setfords, I have the extensive legal training and experience necessary to provide solutions that are legally sound and suited to your circumstances, thereby avoiding complications down the line.
What Happens During the First Meeting?
This will depend on several factors, such as whether you are seeking advice on child arrangements, financial separation, or urgent issues like domestic abuse or child protection concerns.
During this initial consultation, I will gather as much information as possible about you, your spouse/partner, your assets, and any children involved. Expect to answer a range of questions about your marriage history and finances, including property ownership, income, and debts.
Once I have a clear picture of your situation, we will discuss likely timescales, costs, and any additional considerations pertinent to your case.
How Can I Prepare for My First Meeting?
To make the most of your first meeting, it’s beneficial to gather and prepare the following information:
Marriage Details: The date you married or started living together and the date of separation, if applicable.
Employment Information: Details of you and your ex-partner’s jobs, including roles, salaries, and working hours.
Children: Names and birthdates of any children you have together and any preliminary thoughts on childcare arrangements.
Agreements: Any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, or informal agreements related to assets or children.
Assets and Debts: A summary of your assets and finances (joint and separate), such as properties, pensions, businesses, loans, cars, and outstanding mortgages.
Additionally, consider what you want to achieve beyond the legal dissolution of your marriage. Important considerations include:
Honesty: Be transparent about your situation and goals.
Openness: Discuss all issues in the relationship; your solicitor is there to help, not to judge.
Patience: Understand that the divorce process can take several months.
Seeking Guidance: Follow your solicitor’s advice closely, as it is in your best interest.
Collaboration: Be open to mediation or a collaborative approach to reduce conflict around child arrangements or finances.
Discretion and Confidentiality
With all our clients, discretion and confidentiality are paramount. The Setfords team and I are committed to handling your case with the utmost professionalism and sensitivity. Whether you are managing substantial financial portfolios, businesses, and international assets, or a more straightforward situation, we ensure that all discussions and proceedings are conducted with complete discretion and privacy.
Common Questions to Ask Your Divorce Lawyer
It’s helpful to write down key points and questions beforehand. Common questions might include:
Timeline: How long will the divorce process take?
Costs: What will it cost, and what funding options are available?
Communication: How often will you hear from your solicitor about your case?
Disputes: Can my ex-partner dispute the divorce application?
Child Arrangements: What if you can’t agree on child arrangements?
Wills: Do you need to write or amend your Will?
Process: What exactly does the divorce process entail?
Contact Alastair Sinclair
Divorce proceedings can be challenging and emotional. Being prepared can make the process smoother. I always aim to make the process of legally ending a relationship as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact Alastair Sinclair at Setfords. You can reach him by calling 01483 340 736 or clicking one of the buttons below.