How to Get the Most Out of Your First Meeting with Your Family Solicitor

Taking the first step to meet with a family solicitor can feel daunting, especially if you are unsure what to expect. Feeling nervous is completely normal.

This article provides practical guidance on how to prepare, what to bring, and what to expect, ensuring that both you and your solicitor get the most from the meeting.

Why You Should Prepare for Your First Meeting with a Family Solicitor

Preparation is one of the most important steps to make your first meeting productive and efficient. 

Arriving well-prepared allows your solicitor to gain a clear understanding of your situation quickly, enabling them to provide tailored family law advice that addresses your immediate concerns and is actually applicable to your scenario.

Preparation means that…

…Nothing goes overlooked

Being prepared reduces the risk of important information being overlooked. Thus, gathering documents related to financial assets, property, or prior court proceedings allows your solicitor to identify potential issues early and advise you on the best strategies. 

Having a timeline of key events or a list of questions ensures that all critical points are covered during the meeting.

…You’ll be less anxious

Preparation also helps to reduce anxiety. Organising your thoughts, documents, and questions gives you a sense of control over a process that can otherwise feel stressful. 

Anticipating areas your solicitor is likely to explore, such as child arrangements or divorce proceedings helps you enter the meeting with confidence and clarity.

…increases overall productivity

Preparation also promotes a productive solicitor-client relationship. When your solicitor has access to comprehensive information, they can provide more accurate advice and therefore develop a clear strategy. At BBS Law, we encourage all clients to prepare in advance, whether attending in person or online, so that we can focus on providing precise and tailored legal guidance from the outset.

What You Need to Do Before the Meeting

Prior to the meeting, we provide details of our fees and the information we need prior to the meeting. This typically includes your ex-partner’s full name for a conflict of interest check, along with your photographic ID and proof of address.

Discuss your Meeting Options

At BBS Law, meetings can take place at our offices in Finchley Central or online via Microsoft Teams. If attending in person, it is helpful to plan your route, including parking or public transport options. 

Our offices are just a five-minute walk from Finchley Central on the Northern Line and close to several bus routes.

If attending online, ensure you are in a quiet, private space and log in early to test your equipment. Being technically prepared will help the meeting run smoothly.

Prepare your Documentation

For all case types, bring any existing court applications or orders. If your meeting relates to divorce advice, you will need a marriage certificate. If you do not have one and are married in England, a copy can be obtained here. 

Financial Documentation

If seeking advice on finances, provide details of your assets and your ex-partner’s assets. This includes property, bank accounts, investments, businesses, liabilities, income, and pensions. 

Include all assets worldwide, not just those in England.

If you have paperwork, bring it to the meeting. If not, create a list of available documents and their approximate values so your solicitor can advise accordingly.

Children Arrangements 

If the matter involves children, bring copies of any parenting plans or court orders. Being able to reference these during the meeting allows your solicitor to provide informed advice regarding child arrangements.

What You Need to Do During the Meeting

We aim to make you feel supported and comfortable. The meeting is not only a chance for your solicitor to understand your situation, but also for you to understand how we can help.

Meetings typically last around one hour, though more complicated matters may require longer.

If you wish, a trusted family member or friend can attend for support or to take notes; please inform your solicitor in advance.

To ensure the meeting is productive, consider preparing a timeline of key events and a list of questions. Bringing a notepad or laptop allows you to make notes on discussions and action points, helping you remember important information after the meeting.

What Family Solicitors Do

A family law solicitor provides specialist advice and representation in matters relating to family relationships. 

Their role goes beyond paperwork and court appearances, they guide clients through legal processes, explain options in an understandable manner, and help clients make informed decisions.

The above article was written by our Senior Associate, Holly Covington, who can be contacted at Holly.Covington@bbslaw.co.uk

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