Meeting your solicitor for the first time can be a daunting prospect especially when family issues are up for discussion. It is essential that the solicitor you instruct is someone you are at ease with, especially when they will be advising you on matters relating to your personal life. The pointers below should help you prepare for your first meeting with your solicitor.
• Research your solicitor: for help choosing your solicitor, ask friends for recommendations and research lawyers and firm on the internet. You can tell a lot about a firm from their website and it should detail whether or not they offer alternative methods of dispute resolution such as collaborative law and mediation
• Prepare questions: you will get more out of your meeting if you are prepared so it is a good idea to have your questions written down. You should also provide your solicitors with a summary of your financial situation and any other important information
• Don’t hold back: don’t forget that your solicitor deals with such cases everyday so there is no reason to be embarrassed about any details. Make sure you provide a complete picture
• Bring someone you trust: if it helps, you can bring a friend for support during the meeting
• Concentrate on the practicalities: you are looking for a family lawyer with good listening skills and a personable nature, however first and foremost you want them to be professional. That means that they are not a source of emotional support and you should make sure that they focus on giving you legal advice. Remember that you are paying them and want them to cut to the chase most of the time!
When you visit a solicitor you should not feel pressured into jumping straight into the divorce process. You may simply wish to learn about the options available to you so that you can go away and think about your decision. Here at Bonallack & Bishop, your first 30 minute consultation is FREE of charge and carries no obligations meaning you can discuss through all your options under no pressure. You may even decide that you wish to work things out with your partner and it is not a lawyer’s place to attempt to persuade you otherwise.
For friendly family law advice, call Bonallack and Bishop
To find out about arranging your FREE first 30-minute appointment get in touch with the family law specialists at Bonallack & Bishop.
Call us on 01722 422300, or
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