What do you need to take to an initial consultation with a solicitor?

[mysecretvalentine25]

I've been looking at solicitors for my sister and trying to gear up for an initial consultation. What does she need to take with her to the first meeting? Thanks.

[CaptainHammer]

I haven't been through divorce myself but when helping my mum I googled this very question.
The main things were a brief summary of the situation and a list of questions she wants to ask the solicitor.

I remember the first meeting was quite an emotional one so maybe prepare for that as much as possible. Easier said than done I know, my mum expected to be upset but was surprised that she was more angry about it all.

If you're going with her it can be quite handy to note things down as it's difficult to remember everything.

Hope it goes ok.

[Minime85]

Ideally someone with her to listen and remember what has been said otherwise you have to pay for the typed up notes. Info or addresses lived at, how long married, finances in terms of who bought what into relationship, how much property is worth, how much both earn etc.

[FuzzyFairy]

If she is likely to want them to do work for her they will need ID after the initial meeting to open a file on their systems.

Usually two forms of ID, one photographic and one for address, (ie a utility bill dated within the last three months)

[lousylear]

I was told to take passport and utility bill for ID in case I wanted to proceed. A notebook and pen would be useful too.

[mysecretvalentine25]

Thank you so much everyone for such useful replies.

[Laura812]

Also if she writes out a list of questions in advance that might help in case she forgets things later. Might be worth taking the marriage certificate too ( as well as passport and utility bill). Possibly even a cheque book if she might pay some money there and then on account of legal costs.

Worth having copies of latest bank statements of hers and husband and his and hers pension details and P60s/last pay slips etc too as they will certainly be needed at some point.

[mysecretvalentine25]

Thanks very much Laura