The benefits of an initial consultation with a family lawyer when divorcing

When considering divorce and separation, the uncertainty over the future can cause much stress and anxiety. This is why we would always advice you seeking early advice from an experienced family lawyer. This meeting will provide you with the clarity and peace of mind to be able to make informed decisions moving forward.

The opportunity to sit down with a family lawyer who can outline the specific legal position relating to your personal circumstances and the options available to you, is hugely valuable.

More specifically, an initial consultation offers the following benefits:

• Can offer reassurance and advice on issues that are concerning you.
• Explain your rights in terms of child contact, property and financial matters.
• Outline possible consequences of your actions, such as moving out of the family home.
• Help to minimise any hostility and keep relations as amicable as possible.
• Explain all the different methods by which you can reach an agreement without going through the cost, stress and lengthy delays of the courts. These include mediation, collaborative practice and arbitration.
• Offer guidance on the potential costs of divorce and the potential pitfalls of undertaking a DIY divorce.

Initial consultations represent excellent value for money. At Tisshaws we offer an initial meeting of up to an hour for £150 (incl. VAT). We believe that an hour provides enough time to properly discuss your situation, answer your questions and arm you with the knowledge you need to make future decisions.

This initial consultation carries no obligation, so if you decide we are not a good fit for you, or that you are not ready to proceed, there is no commitment to continue the process.

How to prepare for an initial consultation

Once you’ve made an appointment, it can help to write down all your questions and queries. Never worry that your queries maybe too basic, we are here to support you and give you the confidence to make the right decisions for you and your family to move forward.

You are welcome to bring along a trusted friend but you need to be willing to speak about personal and sensitive issues in front of them. Unless it is absolutely necessary, we would always advise against bringing children to this meeting, so we can concentrate solely on you.

Specific items to bring include:

• ID such as a passport or driving licence
• Utility bill or bank statement with your address, which needs to be less than two months old
• Your marriage certificate
• Any letters or documents from other solicitors or the court relevant to the issues you wish to discuss
• Knowledge of the status of your financial position in terms of mortgage, bank accounts and income (proof is not required at this stage)

If you are struggling with divorce, separation or other family law issue and would like to book an initial consultation, please call us on 01444 472700, email us at info@tisshawssolicitors.co.uk or complete the sign up form below.