Five things to bring to your first appointment with a Family Solicitor

by The Group Hug Expert May 17, 2019, 6:35 pm 1.2k Views

The first appointment with a solicitor can feel daunting. In order to get the most out of this meeting it is helpful to be prepared:

Identification

The law requires your solicitor to verify your identity before opening a file for you. You will need to bring with you one form of photographic ID (such as a current photo driving license or passport) and one form of address evidence (such as a utility bill or bank statement showing your address) no more than three months old. Your solicitor will take copies at your meeting which will reduce any delay in opening your file.

Divorce and Legal Advice

Important Dates

Your solicitor is likely to ask you questions about the history of your matter and it can be difficult to remember important dates when you are put on the spot. It is helpful to make a note of the following dates in advance so you are ready with your answers during your meeting:

When you began living together
Your marriage
Your separation
The dates of birth of yourself, your spouse and your children
Any other relevant dates i.e. when you purchased your property or other assets or inherited money.

two men at a first appointment at a desk

Details of your Assets and Liabilities

In order to advise you as fully as possible it is helpful to have an idea in advance of your financial position. Where possible it is helpful to bring statements or other documents (as long as these are in your name not your spouse’s) but if you do not have these to hand it is useful to have a rough idea of the value of the following:

Any property including the balance outstanding on any mortgages
Savings and investments
Pensions
Business assets
Any other assets with a significant value i.e. expensive jewellery, cars, caravans, paintings etc

Details of your income

You solicitor will also ask you details about yours and your spouse’s incomes. For some people this is easy but for those who are self employed or have irregular income sources such as bonuses or commission it is helpful to bring any details of your income history. If you have any documents that show your income such as your P60, P11D, tax return or company accounts it can be useful to bring these with you. Whilst your solicitor will not be able to look at documents in your spouse’s name it is helpful if possible to have an idea of roughly what they bring home each year after tax and national insurance.

Any letters or documents already received.

If your spouse has already been to see a solicitor for their first appointment you may have received a letter from them or even a divorce petition from the court. It is important that you bring these with you to your first meeting so that your solicitor can properly advise you and taken prompt action if necessary.

At Gregg Latchams our experienced family team will be happy to talk you through the preparation for your first meeting in advance.