You’ve made the difficult decision to end your marriage and are ready to speak to a divorce lawyer. If you’re nervous about that initial call or unsure where to start, this blog will guide you in preparing and making the most of your conversation with your chosen divorce lawyer.
Anticipate Personal Questions: Be prepared to provide a concise overview of your situation and the reasons behind seeking advice. Your divorce lawyer will need to grasp your personal circumstances to offer the most suitable advice. They will inquire about your family dynamics, children, residence, finances, duration of marriage, and other pertinent details. They will also want to understand what led to your decision to pursue a divorce.
These questions are crucial for tailoring the advice to your specific situation.
Be Honest with Your Divorce Lawyer: Your lawyer can’t advocate for you effectively without knowing the full story. Keeping information from them is akin to painting a wall in the dark—it might get done, but no one will be satisfied with the outcome, and corrections may be necessary.
If you’re in a new relationship, inform them. If you have concerns about your spouse’s reaction to the divorce decision, share them. If your spouse initiated the divorce but you hope for reconciliation, communicate that.
As proceedings advance, honesty about your finances is vital. A fair divorce settlement relies on both parties openly disclosing all relevant financial information requested by your lawyer.
Exaggerating your partner’s behaviour holds no advantage; it won’t impact the final outcome positively.
Share your priorities. Communicate your priorities to your lawyer. What matters most to you? Do you want a swift resolution? Are you aiming to remain in the family home with your children? Are financial concerns weighing on your mind? Sharing these upfront gives your lawyer clarity on the approach to take and the advice you’ll require along the way.
Manage Your Expectations: Starting with unrealistic demands like “I want the house, full custody, and all financial assets” may lead to disappointment. Avoid being swayed by others’ divorce experiences; every case is unique.
Consider the following for better understanding:
A divorce typically takes 6–9 months, depending on the court’s workload. However, divorce merely ends the legal marriage and doesn’t resolve financial or child-related disputes, which may take longer. The law prioritises the child’s best interests, usually involving maintaining relationships with both parents. Thus, seeking “sole custody” or excluding the other parent from the child’s life is seldom advisable. Regarding finances, assets accumulated during marriage are generally considered joint, often starting with a presumption of equal division. Therefore, starting with the stance of denying the other party any entitlement might not be practical.
Avoid Sharing Emotions: It’s okay to feel upset, but when consulting a family lawyer, focus on receiving legal advice. Ensure you’re in the right mindset to comprehend and act on the guidance provided. Divorce lawyers are empathetic but may not address emotional fallout as effectively as specialised professionals.
Consider confiding in a trusted friend for emotional support before or after speaking with your lawyer.
Prepare questions for your lawyer: Consider what you need to know now. You might inquire about your lawyer’s approach and experience (covered in “5 important questions to ask a family lawyer before hiring them”). You may have questions about your legal rights or practical issues, like relocating from the family home. Our blog, “12 common questions for divorce and family law solicitors,” can aid in preparing for your initial conversation.
Seeking the best advice before taking action is crucial. At DLS Solicitors, we offer a free initial telephone consultation to ensure you’re making an informed decision about appointing us to handle your case.
