First visit to solicitor, any advice, what can I expect?

[leftfootrightfoot]

I am sahm to two children, DH walked out last week, thinks we can have aDIY divorce but thinks that even though children will stay with me we can split everything 50/50. I don't think thats true as I obv have no wage now and will find it hard to get a job as haven't worked outside the home for 7 years. I'm not entitled to legal aid but am having free initial meeting with solicitor, any tips about what to ask/say or take with me?

[susiedaisy]

Hi there hope you're ok, I'm trying to remember what I needed the first time I went, I think it would be useful to take utility bill, passport or drivers licence, marriage certificate, bank statement, also mortgage details.

Write down any questions you want to ask solicitor otherwise you might get side tracked and forget,

I also found the helpline Turn2Us helpful for giving advice on what benefits or tax credits you may be entitled to.

Good luck

[DorisIsWaiting]

Are you in Scotland or England /Wales? It amkes a difference you definitely needs a (bloody good) solictor. He has left you with the DC and no income and wants 50%. Hopefully that will not be the case.

(Dsis's EX ended up with 35% of the equity in the house at the time of the split.) Visit several solictors don't be satisfied with the first one you see it will make a difference (you wuldn't settle for the first car you try)

[leftfootrightfoot]

Thank you, it was very helpful this morning. Its a tricky situation as he has left me and has another woman but he also has big mental health issues so as much as all this is making me mad/upset etc equally I am thinking that he is under a lot of meds and the influence of another woman and he isn't really thinking. Not my problem i suppose but I didn't "want" a divorce yet it seems I'd be in a better position if I go for one against him but part of me keeps wondering if he is going to wake up to the mess he has caused. I can't yet work out which is the "true" him.

I have Child Tax Cred and Child Ben but am not entitled to anything else as I am a sahm and have some savings from pre kids

[leftfootrightfoot]

If I go for divorce now I know how much money he has etc and can safeguard myself before he has too much input from this OW, who also has kids and is leaving her husband

[DorisIsWaiting]

So I didn't come back have you tried posting in relationships for support, they are very very good at helping see the woods for the trees.

There is a post by Olgaga which lists useful contacts for people post break up and will help you access he support you will need (do not be afraid of asking for help!).

[leftfootrightfoot]

Aha, thanks Doris I will pop over there, is this more technical type stuff on here re actual divorce process?

[susiedaisy]

Left- relationship threads get alot more traffic on them so remain in the active conversations more and so you get more replies.

[Milly22]

Hi, had my initial visit a couple of weeks so here's my solicitor's requirements: This will be for both sides
1, 3 months payslips
2, Your last P60
3, Bank Statements from all accounts for the last 12 months
4, Details of any savings with statements
5, Details of liabilities, loans and credit cards etc.
6, Mortgage redemption statement
7, Cash equivalent transfer value for pension
8, Schedule of monthly expenditure