The first meeting can feel intimidating. It’s a significant moment, possibly because it brings home the fact that your situation has reached breaking point. You might need a divorce, advice with financial issues or help with the arrangements for your children. You might be suffering from domestic abuse and need an emergency Injunction to protect you. The discussion might be difficult and upsetting. For some, it’s a relief. The tissues are often within reach during the first consultation. This blog will therefore hopefully help you take that first brave step and get the very most out of your first solicitor meeting.
Please understand that it’s ok to be upset. As a lawyer with about 30 years’ experience, I am used to emotional moments and I am there to listen and support. I am personally in awe of clients at that first meeting. It’s a huge leap of faith to trust someone with intimate details of your life and I always listen carefully. Your story is extremely important and I personally feel privileged when you share it with me. It can sometimes be an important factor in the outcome of your case.
The purpose of that first meeting is to gain an understanding of how the law applies to you. You won’t receive an answer at the first meeting but often I can show you how to find the answer or give you an alternative. I will need some facts and dates from you such as names, addresses, children’s names and ages. The length of marriage and how long you have lived together before you married is also important. It’s good to have a rough idea of the value of your house, what you owe on the mortgage and a figure for your total assets. Knowing your income and liabilities will also help. Pensions are more complicated. I will need a CETV for each pension but don’t worry if not available yet. At the first meeting, I just need an idea of what schemes there are and roughly how long you have paid into them. Other documents might be appropriate, such as Pre-nuptial Agreements, a Declaration of Trust or a Court Order. However, you don’t need to bring reams of paperwork to that first meeting. The evidence comes later and I will guide you through that bit when it’s time.
There are several purposes to that first meeting. You will learn how the law applies to your case, you might clarify your goals and priorities and I will tell you whether your expectations are realistic. I will advise you about Court and we will explore alternative dispute resolution options, such as mediation or collaborative family law. You will know your options.
My own goal during the meeting is to ensure you leave reassured and better informed than when you arrived. I also hope to establish a rapport with you, as trust and open communication are the foundations for a successful client-lawyer partnership. It is then up to you. Take as long as you need. You should only proceed when you are truly ready and have found the right support.
Get in touch
If you would like family law advice and wish to arrange your first meeting, please do contact me on 01924 291122 or email me at rebecca.baker@catteralls.co.uk
Our highly skilled team of specialist solicitors have been established in the City of Wakefield for over 100 years.
