How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with a Divorce Solicitor
Divorce can feel overwhelming long before the paperwork is filed; in fact, for many people, the first real step is arranging a consultation with a solicitor. If you’re preparing for your first meeting with a solicitor about divorce, it’s natural to feel nervous: you may be worried about what to expect, what documents you need to bring, and how best to explain your situation. At Skylark Hill, we’ve guided many clients through this exact stage, and we know that careful preparation helps make the experience more productive and less intimidating.
Why Preparation Matters
That first consultation sets the tone for your legal journey. The solicitor needs to understand your personal and financial circumstances in detail, while you need to gauge whether you feel confident in their advice and approach. Without preparation, you risk leaving important issues unaddressed, which can slow progress later on. Taking the time to gather information and clarify your priorities means you’ll leave the meeting with clearer next steps and a better sense of control.
Gathering the Right Information
When you attend your first meeting, you’ll be asked about the background of your marriage, the reasons for divorce, and the current state of communication with your spouse. To make this easier, it’s worth compiling a timeline of significant events: the date you married, any separations, and whether there are children involved. Having these details written down avoids the stress of trying to recall them on the spot.
Financial information is equally important. Your solicitor will need to know about property ownership, mortgages, savings, debts, pensions, and household income. Bringing documents such as recent bank statements, mortgage details, or payslips isn’t essential for the very first conversation, but the more information you can provide, the faster your solicitor can begin outlining realistic options.
If you’re unsure how much to prepare, remember that it’s better to bring too much than too little. Even if some documents aren’t immediately relevant, your solicitor can advise which will be needed later, ensuring you’re one step ahead.
Clarifying Your Priorities
Every divorce is unique, and what matters most varies from person to person. Some clients are primarily concerned about protecting financial assets, while others want reassurance about arrangements for children. Before your meeting, take some time to write down your goals. Do you want to remain in the family home if possible? Are you hoping to reach an amicable settlement without going to court? Is child custody your overriding concern?
By sharing your priorities openly, you help your solicitor focus on what matters most to you. It also allows them to explain which outcomes are realistic and which may require compromise, preventing misunderstandings later on.
Questions You Should Ask
A consultation isn’t only about providing information; it’s also your opportunity to assess whether the solicitor is the right fit. Many clients exploring divorce also want to understand more about choosing the right divorce solicitor, and the first meeting is a perfect chance to do so.
Consider asking about their experience with cases similar to yours, their approach to negotiation and mediation, and how they keep clients informed throughout the process. You may also want to discuss likely costs, including how fees are structured and whether flexible payment arrangements are available.
Asking these questions not only gives you practical knowledge but also helps you gauge how comfortable you feel with the solicitor’s communication style. Trust is crucial in divorce proceedings, and this early conversation is the foundation.
Managing Expectations
It’s important to understand what the first meeting can and cannot achieve. Your solicitor won’t be able to resolve the entire case immediately, and in many situations they’ll need more detailed information before giving definitive advice. What you should expect, however, is a clear outline of the next steps: what information you’ll need to gather, what options might be available, and how long different stages of the process typically take.
You may also receive an initial assessment of your likely position regarding finances or child arrangements, though this will usually be provisional. A good solicitor will avoid giving absolute promises at this stage, focusing instead on helping you understand the range of possibilities.
Practical Considerations for the Day
On the day of your meeting, allow yourself enough time to arrive calmly, rather than rushing in stressed. Bring any documents you’ve gathered in an organised folder, along with a notebook or device for taking notes. Many clients find it useful to prepare a written list of questions so nothing gets forgotten in the moment.
If emotions feel overwhelming, don’t worry; divorce is stressful, and solicitors are used to guiding clients through difficult conversations. The important thing is that you’re honest and open, even if some details feel uncomfortable to share. Transparency allows your solicitor to provide legal advice tailored to your circumstances, which is the basis of a strong case.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for your first meeting with a solicitor about divorce doesn’t remove the challenges ahead, but it does put you in a stronger position from the start. By gathering information, clarifying your priorities, and asking thoughtful questions, you’ll leave the consultation with greater clarity and confidence. At Skylark Hill, we believe that preparation isn’t just practical - it’s empowering, giving you the tools to make informed decisions during one of life’s most difficult transitions.
FAQs
How long does a first meeting with a divorce solicitor usually last?
Most initial consultations take between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the complexity of your situation and the questions you have.
Do I need to bring financial documents to the very first meeting?
It isn’t strictly necessary, but bringing documents such as bank statements or mortgage details can help your solicitor give more specific guidance from the outset.
Can I bring a friend or family member with me for support?
In most cases, yes. Many solicitors are comfortable with clients having a trusted person present, though it’s important to check in advance and ensure you still feel able to speak openly.
What if I don’t have all the information the solicitor asks for?
That’s normal. Your solicitor will explain what’s essential right away and what can be gathered later, so don’t worry if you don’t arrive with every detail.
Will the first meeting give me a clear idea of costs?
Yes, your solicitor should outline their fee structure and provide an estimate of likely costs, although the total will depend on how your case progresses.
