How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with a Divorce Solicitor

At Parachute Law, we understand that the first meeting with a divorce solicitor is a significant step. Being well prepared can help you feel more confident, ensure your time is used effectively, and enable your solicitor to give clear, tailored advice from the outset. This article explains why legal advice matters, what to expect at your first appointment, and how you can prepare to make the most of it.

Why Do I Need a Divorce Solicitor?

While it is now possible to apply for divorce online, the legal process of ending a relationship is rarely straightforward — particularly where finances, property, pensions, or children are involved.

Divorce in England and Wales is not simply about obtaining a final order dissolving the marriage or civil partnership. In many cases, the most complex and consequential issues relate to:

• How assets and liabilities should be divided
   
• Whether ongoing spousal maintenance is appropriate
   
• Arrangements for children, including where they live and how time is shared
   

Online or “DIY” divorce services often focus only on the administrative process of divorce itself. They do not provide advice on financial settlements or child arrangements, and they do not protect you from future claims. Without proper legal guidance, individuals can unknowingly agree to arrangements that are unfair, unenforceable, or financially risky in the long term.

An experienced divorce solicitor will:

• Explain your legal rights and obligations
   
• Identify risks you may not have considered
   
• Help you avoid costly mistakes
   
• Tailor advice to your specific circumstances
   

There is no “one size fits all” solution in family law. Early advice ensures you start the process on informed and secure footing.

What Happens at the First Meeting with a Divorce Solicitor?

Your first meeting is primarily an information-gathering and advice session. What is covered will depend on your circumstances and the issues you need help with.

Your solicitor will usually ask about:

• Your relationship history
   
• The date of marriage or civil partnership
   
• When you separated (if you have already done so)
   
• Any children of the relationship
   
• Your financial position and that of your partner
   

If there are urgent concerns — such as domestic abuse, safeguarding issues, or immediate financial risk — these will be addressed as a priority.

You should expect your solicitor to ask detailed questions. This is not intrusive; it is essential to understanding your situation accurately. Everything you discuss is confidential, and your solicitor’s role is to advise, not to judge.

At Parachute Law, we often gather preliminary information through a secure questionnaire before your meeting. This allows you to provide details at your own pace and ensures that your appointment is focused on advice rather than form-filling.

Your solicitor will also explain:

• The divorce process and key stages
   
• Likely timescales
   
• Legal costs and funding options
   
• Possible routes to resolution, including negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings
   

How to Prepare for Your First Meeting

You do not need to have every document perfectly organised, but preparation will help your solicitor give more accurate advice from the outset.

Key Information to Gather

Before your meeting, consider preparing the following:

• Relationship details
   
  • Date of marriage or civil partnership
     
  • Date you began living together (if relevant)
     
  • Date of separation (if applicable)
     
• Employment and income
   
  • Your job role, salary, and working hours
     
  • Your partner’s employment details (as far as known)
     
• Children
   
  • Names and dates of birth
     
  • Current living arrangements
     
  • Any immediate concerns or proposed childcare arrangements
     
• Agreements
   
  • Any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
     
  • Informal agreements relating to finances or children
     
• Assets and liabilities
   
  • Property (joint or sole ownership)
     
  • Mortgages
     
  • Savings and investments
     
  • Pensions
     
  • Businesses or self-employment interests
     
  • Loans, credit cards, and other debts
     

You do not need exact figures at this stage, but approximate values and an overview are helpful.

Think About What You Want to Achieve

Divorce is not only about ending a relationship — it is about planning for the future. Before your meeting, it can help to reflect on what matters most to you.

Consider:

• What are your priorities?
   
• What are your concerns about finances, housing, or children?
   
• What outcome would feel fair and workable in the long term?
   

Being clear about your goals allows your solicitor to guide you more effectively and to explore realistic options that align with your priorities.

Important Principles to Keep in Mind

Be Open and Honest

Your solicitor can only advise you properly if they have a full picture. This includes matters you may find uncomfortable or difficult to discuss.

Be Patient

Even with the introduction of no-fault divorce, the process takes time. Financial and child-related matters often take longer than the divorce itself.

Be Willing to Take Advice

Legal advice is grounded in experience and law, not emotion. While it may not always align with what feels “fair” in the moment, it is designed to protect your long-term interests.

Be Open to Non-Confrontational Solutions

Where appropriate, mediation or collaborative approaches can reduce conflict, save costs, and lead to more durable agreements — particularly where children are involved.

What Questions Should I Ask My Divorce Solicitor?

It is entirely normal to feel overwhelmed during your first meeting. Writing down questions in advance can help ensure you cover everything important.

Common questions include:

• How long is the divorce likely to take?
   
• What will the process involve at each stage?
   
• What are the likely legal costs, and are fixed fees available?
   
• How will we deal with finances and pensions?
   
• What happens if my spouse does not cooperate?
   
• What are my options if we cannot agree arrangements for the children?
   
• Do I need to update my Will or financial arrangements?
   
• How often will I hear from you, and who will handle my case?
   

There are no “wrong” questions. Your solicitor is there to guide you through unfamiliar territory.

The Importance of Early Legal Advice

Many people delay seeking advice in the hope that matters will resolve themselves. Unfortunately, this can increase risk. Decisions made early — such as moving out of the family home, informal financial arrangements, or verbal agreements — can have long-term legal and financial consequences.

Early advice does not mean committing to confrontation. It means understanding your position, protecting yourself, and making informed choices.

How Parachute Law Can Help

At Parachute Law, our family law solicitors aim to make the process of separation as clear, supportive, and constructive as possible. We are committed to resolving matters in a proportionate and non-confrontational way wherever appropriate.

We advise clients across England and Wales on:

• Divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships
   
• Financial settlements and clean break orders
   
• Child arrangements
   
• Mediation and alternative dispute resolution
   
• Post-divorce financial planning and enforcement
   

Being prepared for your first meeting can significantly reduce stress and uncertainty. With the right advice from the outset, it is possible to navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and a clear path forward.

If you are considering divorce or separation and would like tailored legal advice, our team is here to help.

Contact Us Now

Related Article:

Fairness, Financial Justice and Why England Leads the Way: What the Potanina Case Means for Everyday Divorces

The Divorce Gap: Why Women’s Income Plummets After Divorce — and What UK Law Can Do About It

Why Couples Really Divorce: The Top 10 Reasons for Divorce in the UK