Preparing for your first appointment with a family solicitor

Going to see a solicitor for the first time, for any reason, can be a daunting prospect. Please be assured that we are here to help you secure the best possible outcome whatever your situation is. We have a strong team of very experienced dedicated specialist family solicitors ready to support you.

Any information you do provide us with is entirely confidential and cannot and will not be disclosed by us without your consent.

If you are worried about your spouse or partner finding out that you are seeing a solicitor, please let us know when you arrange your initial appointment as we will ensure that correspondence is only sent to you at an email address that you have provided us with.

Information is key

Before coming in to see us for the first time, it is always helpful if you could provide us with the relevant background information in advance of the meeting. 

We will send you a questionnaire to complete and return online, but any additional information which you consider to be important will assist.  It would also be helpful for you to send in advance of the meeting any documentation which you may have which, depending on your situation, could be a Trust Deed, Court Order or correspondence you may have received from your partner or spouse’s (or former partner/spouse’s) solicitor.

If you are coming to see us regarding divorce and financial matters that need to be resolved between yourself and your partner or spouse (or former partner/spouse), it will help if you can bring in as much information regarding your financial position as you can collate. This may include the value of your home, the sum due on your mortgage, details of other property, savings, pensions, other investments and any debts. Details of your respective incomes will also assist.

If you need advice regarding matters relating to your child or children, or if you are seeking advice regarding domestic violence, a brief history of the issues arising, which resulted in you seeking legal advice, would assist.

Write down what questions you have

It would also be of benefit if you could write down a list of questions which you would like us to address. You do not necessarily need to do this in advance of the meeting but preparing such a list and bringing it with you will ensure that you remember all the questions which you wish to ask us. It is of course important that you provide us with accurate information so that we can properly advise you.

Advice at an early stage is critical and can save time and a great deal of stress later. Even if you aren’t ready to proceed we can signpost you to others who can also potentially help as well as giving helping you build an action plan for when you are.

Get in touch

If you would like to speak to a solicitor please either telephone us or email us at mail@pinneytalfourd.co.uk.