Going through a divorce is an extremely traumatic time, even if you and your partner are splitting amicably it can still be very stressful. Some of the stress comes from fear, fear of the unknown. Until you go through a divorce you potentially will have no clue as to what the legal process involves.
You may be worried as to what will happen with your assets, what will happen with your children and how much all of it is going to cost, so it is important to gain clarity upfront to alleviate some of the fear.
7 Top Tips to Consider when Choosing your Legal Team:
Do your research. Don't settle for the first solicitor that you meet. Ask your friends, family and colleagues for any recommendations.
Try to meet with at least 3 solicitors before choosing who to support you, (a bit like you might do when getting quotes from trades people). The majority of the time their initial consultation is free.
Check that they have solid experience in family law, plus are they specialised in the areas related to your case, e.g. domestic abuse.
Make sure you feel comfortable with them. You are potentially going to be sharing highly personal information with them, you need to feel that you can be honest with them. Plus make sure they will communicate with you in plain English.
If you have children you will want a solicitor who will have their best interests at heart.
Get clarity upfront as to their fees, it is obviously important to understand whether you can afford them.
Spend some time preparing before your initial meetings, write down any questions you want to ask, any areas you want to gain clarity on.
Initial Meetings
During that initial meeting with the solicitors you choose you should get a good feeling as to whether you are happy for them to support you or not.
Do you feel that they will champion you? Do you feel that they would stand up to your ex partner's legal representation? Do you think they will have your children's best interests at heart?
Other things to consider at that initial meeting:
That they are really listening to you and are they happy to answer all of your questions
Get a clear view on costs, don't be afraid to keep asking questions until you are clear
Ask about their experience and why you should use them over other solicitors
Ask them to talk you through the divorce process and discuss the possible outcomes with you
Take your pre-prepared questions with you and take a notepad and pen to make notes
and Finally
Getting the right solicitor in place that fits with you is so important, it is a huge step in gaining clarity and taking back some control.
As a lot of solicitors are paid by the hour, it is important that you gain as much as possible from each meeting with them. Going in with a clear head, is important to ensure that the meetings are efficient. The divorce process is not just a legal process, it is also an emotional one. Whilst your solicitor will be sympathetic remember they are not there to offer you emotional support, this is where your coach comes in.
Your solicitor is an extremely crucial part of your breakup support team, but you should also have a coach to ensure you are tackling the emotional roller coaster you are on. Your coach can also help you prepare for your legal meetings.
If you have any questions please feel free to get in touch.
Comments