Gemma Kemp and Anisha Ali, in our Family Law team, discuss how you can prepare to get the most out of your initial meeting with your lawyer.
Divorce and/or separation are life-changing events that can be both emotionally and financially draining. At Blandy & Blandy, we understand the challenges that come with navigating this difficult process, and we are here to support you every step of the way. One of the most important steps in your journey is the first meeting with your family lawyer. Proper preparation can help make the meeting more productive and set you on the right path towards a fair and efficient resolution.
Prior to meeting with your family lawyer, we recommend taking the following steps:
Gather Key Documents and Provide Relevant Background Information
To ensure that your first meeting with us is as productive as possible, it’s helpful to have all relevant documents organised and ready for review. To streamline the process and save you valuable time, we use a digital tool which allows you to provide important information about your circumstances before your meeting with us.
When you book your initial divorce consultation, we will send you a link to this tool, so that you can provide us with the information at your own pace. This link will guide you through a series of simple questions, allowing you to input key information.
By providing us with this information before your meeting, we will be able to focus directly on discussing your legal options, developing a strategy, and answering your questions in our meeting.
The information provided by you will be securely stored, ensuring privacy and confidentiality.
Clarify Your Goals and Priorities
Before your meeting, take some time to think about what you want to achieve in your divorce and/or separation. There may be a variety of issues to consider, from child arrangements to the division of property and other assets and considering how you are going to meet your day to day living costs. Being clear on your priorities will help your lawyer to understand your goals and work with you to develop an effective strategy. If you are not certain of your priorities prior to our meeting, we will explore these with you.
Prepare for Questions
During your initial consultation, your lawyer will ask questions to get a better understanding of your circumstances. These questions are designed to help us build a clear picture of your circumstances and provide you with tailored legal advice. Some of the questions you may be asked include:
- How long have you been married, and do you have children?
- What is your current financial situation (income, assets, debts)?
- Are there any pre-existing agreements (e.g., prenuptial agreements)?
- What would you like to achieve from your divorce/separation (e.g. child arrangements, asset division)?
These questions can sometimes feel intrusive but remember that your lawyer is there to support you and protect your best interests. The more transparent you are, the better equipped we’ll be to represent you.
Understand the Divorce Process in England & Wales (for those who are married)
While every divorce is unique, understanding the basic steps involved in the process can help you feel more confident going into your first meeting. Some key steps in the divorce process include:
- Filing the Divorce Application: The initial step where one spouse formally applies to the court for a divorce.
- Conditional Order: A court order declaring that the divorce can go ahead, provided that the necessary conditions are met.
- Final Order: The final stage, where the divorce is officially concluded.
Your lawyer will explain each step in more detail during your meeting and help set clear expectations for your case.
A Final Order in the divorce does not automatically terminate the financial claims that exist between you and your spouse as a result of your marriage, and it is therefore necessary for these to be considered alongside the divorce.
Prepare Emotionally
Divorce can be an emotionally charged process, and it’s important to acknowledge and prepare for that. At Blandy & Blandy, we understand that emotions can run high during this time, and we are here to support you with empathy and respect. Be honest with your lawyer about your feelings and any emotional concerns you have regarding the process, especially when it comes to children, finances, or the impact on your future.
It’s also helpful to have realistic expectations. While it’s understandable to want a quick resolution, these processes can time - especially if there are complex issues involved.
We encourage you to build your ‘support team’ around you, which may include therapeutic input from a counsellor, financial input from a financial advisor, and practical input from a divorce coach, amongst other professionals. Ultimately, who is in your ‘support team’ is your choice, but we are happy to discuss these options with you.
Understand the Likely Legal Costs
During your initial consultation, your lawyer will provide you with an overview of the potential costs you may expect to incur, including fees for legal services and court costs.
We believe in full transparency and will always provide you with clear pricing and billing expectations, so you know exactly what to expect and what you have been charged for.
Ask Questions
Your first meeting is your opportunity to learn about the processes, your entitlements and responsibilities, and how your lawyer can assist you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Some important questions may include:
- What are the potential outcomes for my case?
- How long is the process likely to take?
- What are my options for resolving financial matters (e.g., negotiations, mediation, collaboration, arbitration, litigation)?
- How will we communicate throughout the process?
We encourage you to ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable and confident.
Preparing with Confidence
Your first meeting with a family lawyer is a crucial step in the process. By coming prepared with the relevant documents, reflecting on your goals, and having a clear understanding of the process, you can ensure that the meeting is productive.
If you’re ready to schedule your initial consultation, reach out to us today. We’ll be happy to assist you and help you take the next steps.
For further information or legal advice, please contact law@blandy.co.uk or call 0118 951 6800.
This article is intended for the use of clients and other interested parties. The information contained in it is believed to be correct at the date of publication, but it is necessarily of a brief and general nature and should not be relied upon as a substitute for specific professional advice.
