Your first meeting with a divorce lawyer

From the first meeting to the end of the divorce process, your divorce lawyer is on your side. If you’re thinking about divorce, here’s how to get things started.

You think you may want a divorce, but where do you start? The first thing you should do is start talking to a divorce lawyer. I know this sounds like a scary prospect at what is already an emotional time, but it’s genuinely the best thing to do. Remember, divorce lawyers spend all their time talking to people just like you. They understand what you’re going through, and they’ll try and make things as easy as they possibly can.

In this article, we’ll look at what you can expect when you have your first meeting (in-person or on Zoom) with your divorce lawyer.  

Your first meeting

When you sit down with your divorce lawyer for the first time, their goal is to understand more about the situation you’re in and get all the information they might need. So, be prepared for a lot of questions.

They’ll ask about your personal situation, children if you have them, and your finances. It’s all so they can make an early assessment of everything that needs to be considered in the divorce process and how they can help you.  Hopefully, it will be quick and easy, but if it turns out to be long and challenging, your lawyer will be with you all the way.

Of course, your first meeting is your chance to ask your solicitor questions too. They’ll answer your questions and help with anything you want to know as best they can. 

What to bring

At Couchman Hanson, we generally send out a questionnaire to people thinking about divorce before meeting them for the first time. It saves time because we don’t have to take down simple details like your name and address andit means there’s more time for us to help you and for you to ask questions. So, if you’re talking to us, please take the time to fill out your questionnaire before we meet.

You should also bring any other documents with you if you think it may be helpful, including:

●       Your marriage certificate

●       Any written agreement such as a  pre-nuptial agreement, separation agreement or declaration of trust (if you have one)

●       Letters/emails from your spouse’s solicitor (if any)

●       Any court documents you have received, if court proceedings have already started

●   A list of your questions

●       Identification

If you’re having your meeting on Zoom rather than in-person, it’s a good idea to email them to your solicitor first, as papers can sometimes be hard to read over Zoom. 

Things to think about

 Before you come to your meeting, please remember that time with your divorce solicitor is precious. They work to a set schedule, so there will be a start and end time.

 If you have a few things straight in your mind before you sit down with them, it will save time and you’ll get more out of the meeting. Here are some things to consider:

●       What are your goals for your divorce?

●       How would you like to split your property and assets?

●       If you have children, how would you like to share parenting?

 Also, if you have any questions or anything else on your mind that you definitely want to talk about, write it down as a reminder. You don’t want to get to the end of the meeting without saying them. 

Find out more from Couchman Hanson

 If you’re ready to start the divorce process, it’s time to talk to Couchman Hanson.

 We offer a free, half-hour long consultation, where we provide advice and will explain all the steps you need to take. We’ll also talk about the likely costs going forward. There’s no obligation to go with us afterwards, but it will help you understand and prepare for your divorce.

 At Couchman Hanson, our solicitors genuinely care about getting the best outcome for you. We’re highly professional, with ‘city’ level talent and experience, but also friendly and welcoming. Everything we do fits with our values of integrity, honesty and authenticity.

 Call 01428 774756 or visit couchmanhanson.co.uk

 Please note: the above information is not an exhaustive explanation of the divorce process. We recommend you speak to a divorce solicitor about the specific circumstances of your situation.