Getting It Right from the Start: What to Expect from Your First Meeting with a Family Solicitor

Making the decision to speak to a family solicitor can feel overwhelming, or like a huge relief. Maybe you’ve reached a point where your current situation is no longer sustainable, you’re finally in a position to take action, or you and your partner are ready to move forward with important changes together. Whatever has brought you to this point, being well-prepared for your initial consultation can make a real difference. It ensures you get the most value from the meeting and take confident steps toward the future.

Remember, your family solicitor is there to support you and guide you – not to judge or pressure you. The more open and honest you can be, the better they can understand your situation and guide you effectively. A clear picture from the outset lays the groundwork for a strong, supportive, and productive relationship.

This article will answer the following questions:

• How do I choose a family solicitor?
• What does a family solicitor deal with?
• How much does it cost?
• Do I need to prepare for the meeting?
• What advice will I be given?

How do I choose a family solicitor?

Instructing a solicitor can be daunting, but choosing the right solicitor from the start can have a huge impact on how you will feel going through the legal process.

Whilst the solicitor is principally there to advise you on the law, you need to feel you can trust them with all of your information, trust that they will have your best interests at heart, and trust them to understand and implement the best route forwards in your circumstances.

Our solicitors use the initial fixed fee meeting to get to know you, as well as providing you with some initial advice about your enquiry. You can use this as an opportunity to get to know them, and assess whether you can build a rapport with the solicitor, you can make decisions about the legal direction of your enquiry after you’ve found the right solicitor to help you.

You should come out of the initial meeting feeling relief that someone is on your side and will fight your corner, with an understanding of how your relationship with your solicitor will develop, and how your solicitor will work on your file.

What does a family solicitor deal with?

Our solicitors are here to support you through the full spectrum of issues that can arise in families. We advise on everything from starting a marriage or cohabitation, to navigating a separation or divorce, including the financial arrangements that follow. We also help resolve issues around child arrangements, key decisions about a child’s upbringing, and sensitive matters like relocation or child abduction. Whatever your situation, we’re here to provide clear, compassionate guidance every step of the way.

If you’re not sure whether your issue can be dealt with by a family solicitor, give the Anthony Gold family department a call on 020 7940 4060 and one of our colleagues will be able to guide you.

How much does it cost?

At Anthony Gold we offer an initial advice meeting with one of our solicitors at a fixed cost of £250 plus VAT.

Do I need to prepare for the meeting?

At Anthony Gold, we will send you a Client Questionnaire to complete prior to your meeting. This will give the solicitor the basic information they will need to be able to advise you.

Primarily, you should prepare emotionally for your meeting. During the meeting you will discuss what has happened that has led you to making an enquiry, and that can be difficult even where it’s the positive progress of a relationship with a new partner.

Beyond this, try not to worry about getting every single piece of information together in advance of the meeting. As outlined above, the purpose of the meeting is to build a rapport with the solicitor, get an initial idea of where your enquiry might go, and understand what the next steps are. This is an ongoing journey, and further information will be obtained through the process.

What advice will I be given?

The key purpose of the meeting is for you to get to know the solicitor, and for them to get to know you. Nonetheless, you will be given some initial advice. What advice you will be given largely depends on the nature of your query and your particular circumstances, but it is likely to include:

• A brief overview of the law applicable to your enquiry;
• A broad overview of the possible routes that your matter may progress to;
• A recommendation, if appropriate, of the best route for you to take (at least initially);
• A broad estimate of potential costs of the possible routes, where possible; and
• Initial next steps following the meeting.

Remember, the initial meeting is not the place to determine exactly how you will progress the whole matter, it is an ongoing process that will likely evolve as new information and circumstances arise. You should come away from the meeting feeling settled that there is a way forward, and with a broad idea of what that might look like, and an understanding of how things may progress.

Do not worry about remembering every single detail the solicitor has told you, as the advice can be shared with you again if you choose to instruct. The solicitor will work with you closely going forwards, giving you any advice or information you need for further next steps.

Summary

At Anthony Gold, we understand the complexities and emotions surrounding the various issues within family law. Our team is dedicated to offering balanced, expert advice to ensure that you have the information you need to make the best decisions for you and your family.

For more insight into the range of services we offer, explore our website, or give the team a call on 020 7940 4060.