Attending your first meeting with a divorce solicitor can be a daunting process. So, we have provided a list of initial questions you should ask:
1) Have you handled cases like this before?
Not all solicitors specialise in the same areas. It is worth exploring with your solicitor what their skill set is and what similar cases they may have dealt with.
2) How much will it cost?
It is important for your solicitor to be transparent about your legal fees from the offset. Whether they charge an hourly rate and can provide an estimate of the overall costs on your case. Or whether they can offer you a fixed fee for all or part of your case. This will assist with budgeting for your legal costs.
3) What is the best way for us to communicate?
Some clients prefer face to face meetings to assist with their understanding of the process. Others prefer email so that they can have additional time to reflect and consider any queries. Make sure you indicate your preference and also take guidance on the most efficient and cost effective means of communication during your case. Also discuss with your solicitor if you’d prefer not to receive communications on certain days – for example a Friday afternoon, as you don’t want to head into the weekend thinking about your divorce.
4) How long will my case take?
There are usually guidelines and frameworks that can give an indication as to how long your case could take to settle. Your solicitor should be able to provide you with some information as to timescales.
5) What first steps should I take?
Take the opportunity on your initial consultation with your solicitor to obtain some early advice on what you should do next. Whether that’s obtaining your marriage certificate to enable you to issue the divorce, collating financial documentation so that settlement advice can be provided or tactical advice. Having some guidance on these first steps will help keep you focused and start your divorce case off in the right way.