Month: May 2022

Booking your first meeting with us is a positive first step. We understand it can feel daunting, but we’re here to guide you through every stage, offering clear advice and support.

Bringing someone with you

You’re welcome to bring a friend or family member to your meeting, whether it’s face-to-face or online via Zoom. Many people find it helpful to have someone there for support and to discuss things afterwards. Just make sure you’re comfortable with them hearing the details of your situation—if there are private matters to discuss, you can always ask them to step out.
Note: This person cannot be directly involved in the proceedings, such as your estranged partner or children.

Do you need to bring documents?

You don’t need to bring documents if it’s difficult for you—our team will still be able to help straight away. However, if you can bring some paperwork, it may speed things up. Below is a list of suggested documents to bring:

1. Key relationship dates

A brief timeline of your relationship, including:

• When you met
• When you started living together (if before marriage)
• The date of your marriage
• When you separated (if applicable)
• Dates of birth of any family members (estranged partner or children)

2. Letters or documents from your estranged partner

If you’ve received any letters or legal documents from your estranged partner’s solicitor or the Court, please bring these along. This will help us understand if any legal action has been taken and how best to support you.

3. Financial information

We’ll discuss your financial position, including your income, savings, and assets. If possible, bring:

• A summary of your current financial position
• Details of assets in your sole name or jointly held
• Any financial documents you have with the full consent and knowledge of the other party

If you’re unsure about whether you should have certain documents, call us first. We can explain the rules and make sure you’re clear before bringing anything in.

4. Marriage certificate

If you’re seeking advice on starting a divorce, it’s helpful to bring your original marriage certificate or an official certified copy. A photocopy isn’t enough for legal proceedings.
Can’t find your marriage certificate? Let us know—we can help you get a certified copy from the church or registry office where you were married.

5. Estimated property valuation

If property is part of your divorce discussion, a rough idea of its value would be helpful. You can get an estimate by speaking with local estate agents or checking online.

6. List of questions

To make the most of our time together, prepare a list of questions you want to ask. It’s easy to forget things during the meeting, but don’t worry—you can always call us afterwards if you think of anything else.

We look forward to meeting you and supporting you through this process. If you have any questions before the meeting, just give your legal adviser a call. We’re here to help.