Your First Steps to Meeting a Family Lawyer: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Contacting a family solicitor can feel like a daunting step. Many people who are experiencing relationship difficulties or challenges with co-parenting, may benefit from taking legal advice but are unsure how to do so or what it will entail. As expert family lawyers we understand it is a big step and we are sympathetic to your needs. We aim to make the process as easy and stress free as possible.
Finding the right lawyers
Once you have decided to speak to a family lawyer you need to identify one. Many of our clients are referred by previous clients or their trusted professionals, such as their financial adviser or accountant. It is important to choose a lawyer that has the skills to match your matter. At Hodge Jones & Allen we have expertise in all areas of family law and we are members of Resolution, which is the largest organisation for family lawyers in England. Many of our lawyers are accredited specialists. We also have trained mediators and collaborative lawyers (another form of alternative dispute resolution where you aim to reach an agreement outside of court).
Most importantly, we are all friendly and approachable. We are sympathetic to your situation and we understand that each family is unique. We work hard to ensure our approach is tailored to your needs.
The first contact and meeting
We are happy to have a short call with you before you book a meeting. There is no charge for this call, because we understand that it is important for a person to be comfortable with the solicitor they choose.
We are often told by new clients that they are “dreading” the first meeting. Thankfully however, they always feel much better, relieved and reassured by the end of a meeting.
It is important to remember that your family lawyer is there to help and guide you. They will explore your personal circumstances with you and help you consider your options in terms of next steps.
At the initial meeting we will take the background to your matter, so that we understand the history of your relationship and the issues between you. We will then advise you on your options.
Six steps to preparing for your first meeting
To ensure you get the most out of your initial meeting with your lawyer both in terms of knowledge and value for money, you may wish to do the following:
- Prepare a chronology of the history of your relationship. This should begin with the date that your met your partner, and end at the date of the meeting. You should include the keys date during this period – including the date you commenced cohabitation, the date that you were married, the dates that any children were born and the dates of any significant financial transactions, such as property purchases and sales (with full details), including gifts or inheritances received.
- Think about what the arrangements for any children of the family going forwards, this would involve who the children live with, when they would see the other parent and if you plan on leaving the family home, whether the children would need to move schools. Thinking about this in advance would enable your lawyer to discuss this with you at the meeting and give you advice upon the same.
- Prepare a brief summary of your financial information with details of yours and your partner’s assets and their current valuations (an estimate is sufficient) and details of your income and your partner’s income as far as you are able to. It is not necessary at this stage to bring documentary evidence – a one page document is usually sufficient.
- Bring any relevant documents with you (for example, if you have received a letter from your partner’s solicitor).
- Prepare a short list of questions that you would like your lawyer to answer for you. Your lawyer will usually answer these at the end as you are likely to find that most of them will be covered during the meeting. However, don’t be afraid to ask anything that is not on the list.
- Consider whether you want a friend or relative to attend the meeting with you for support.
Taking these steps will enable the lawyer to have a better understanding of your matter and ensure a productive initial meeting.
Following the meeting
There is no obligation for you to instruct us following the meeting. Some people may wish to take steps immediately whilst others want to time to digest the information and consider their options. It is not uncommon for someone to pause for months or even years before deciding whether to proceed. This is understandable, because family law issues are important and deserve careful consideration.
Final thoughts
Separation is not a perfect process and we are here to support you through the challenges. If you would like to arrange a short call to discuss your concerns please contact our family law experts on 0330 822 3451 or request a callback.