You’re likely to be feeling nervous, stressed and bewildered before your first consultation, and absolutely bursting with questions. There’ll be plenty of time to cover everything, but for now – these are the key questions you might want to focus on:
1. Are you a family law specialist?
Remember – you don’t have to go with the first solicitor you contact. It pays to find out a little more about the solicitor before signing up, to find the right one for you.
Start with whether or not they specialise in family law. Many solicitors work on divorce cases, but an experienced specialist like Tracey Miller – who has been a Liverpool family law solicitor for 30+ years - will better understand what your family is going through. They’ll also have the expertise to anticipate and address all legal issues that may crop up.
2. Are you a member of Resolution?
This is another important thing to find out, as it can affect the way your divorce is handled. Resolution is a national organisation of family lawyers committed to a non-confrontational approach to divorce. If your solicitor is a member, like Tracey Miller Family Law, you can hopefully avoid the stress of a prolonged court case. Instead, you can focus on constructive, cooperative ways to move forward with as little animosity as possible.
3. How long will my divorce take and what are the next steps?
One of the most important things to get out of your first consultation is an understanding of the divorce process. Your solicitor will take some details of your situation and explain roughly how long it will take until your divorce is finalised. They’ll also run you through the process step-by-step, so you’ll know what to expect when.
4. What documentation will I need?
Having your documents in order can speed up the divorce process, so ask your solicitor for a list of everything you’ll need – from marriage certificates to bank statements.
5. What do I do about my finances?
There are certain things you’ll need to do right now, before your divorce case goes ahead. For example, making arrangements with your ex to close joint accounts, sorting out who pays the bills and what you plan to do about shared property. Your divorce solicitor can give you some helpful initial advice so you can make the right decisions at this stage.
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Ultimately, your divorce solicitor is there to provide practical advice and useful information you can trust. They will aim to calm your nerves and help you make the right decisions for you and your family.
If you’d like to arrange a free, no obligation consultation with a family law solicitor here at Tracey Miller Family Law, get in touch on 0151 515 3036 or email info@traceymillerfamilylaw.com.
We’re working remotely during the COVID-19 crisis, so we’re here 7 days a week if you need us.