What happens in an initial consultation?

When you meet us for the first time, we will have already obtained background information as to your case from what you supplied to us via our Client Relations team. 

The objective of the meeting, therefore, is for you to understand the likely outcome of the case, meet the people who will be working on it day to day, understand the process, and have any questions answered. We will assemble the key members of the team, so that you can get a feel for who we all are and so that they can hear directly from you. 

We will first want to understand your perspective on what is going on. For some people, this will be an emotional process, and tissues will be provided. We will then talk to you about the likely outcome of your case. This might cover housing (your living situation), financial arrangements and arrangements with respect to children. 

We will also talk to you about interim matters such as short-term financial arrangements, payments of legal fees (if you do not have access to money yourself or if your spouse controls the finances in the marriage) and may involve matters such as non-molestation orders, property occupation orders, freezing injunctions and other actions that may be appropriate to your situation. 

Furthermore, we will cover the expected timescales, the key stages of the process and the upcoming steps. You will also have the chance to ask questions at any point during the consultation.  

In some cases, it is appropriate to move from an initial consultation to taking immediate action, such as filing a divorce petition right away to avoid jurisdictional issues. If we determine that prompt action is crucial to achieving the best outcome for your case, we will bring this to your attention. 

At the end of the consultation, we will ask you if you are ready to move forward and provide you with our terms of business, including our costs. If you would like to proceed, we will request that you sign the necessary documentation and provide information proving your name and address. We will then agree on a specific short-term action plan with you. 

In most cases, people move forward right away – but if you need time to consider your positions further, that is absolutely fine. Often, people do sign our terms of business even if they are uncertain about moving forward, as it helps expedite the process if they decide to proceed later. 

A meeting typically lasts between 1 to 1.5 hours, though this can vary. You are welcome to bring along a trusted person, such as a colleague, friend or relative, if you believe their support will be beneficial.  

Our goal is that by the end of the initial meeting, you will have a clear understanding of your options and feel confident that you are in the best possible hands. 

Do not hesitate to call us and get the process going.