30 minute free consultation with solicitor

[Chocolatecake12]

I've requested a free 30 min consultation with a divorce lawyer.
What do I need to ask?

[RedHelenB]

I had two and selected the male who was a lot less sympathetic but got down to the brass tacks quicker. TBF they both told me the same, how the divorce process worked, eligibility for legal aid and possible financial outcomes.

[Chocolatecake12]

Thanks for your reply. Is there anything I should specifically ask?
My appt is not until Jan 16th but I want to go prepared.
Did you take anyone with you for moral support?

[RedHelenB]

No I went on my own. I just wanted to know a rough timetable of divorce, whether it was worth getting a separation agreement and what would happen about the house.

[EnormousTiger]

I would ask

1. These are our assets and liabilities - the net sum is £x. I earn this. He earns this. What is the likely financial settlement - eg 50/50 or whatever.
   

2,. Will he or I get spousal support payments from the other or a clean break?
3, What will I or my other half have to pay for child maintenance?

1. How long will a divorce take if i divorce him on grounds of unreasonable behaviour?
   
2. What will I have to pay my solicitor and the court for both the divorce (the cheap simple bit) and the financial consent order (you need the finances drawn up and sealed by the court in an order before it's final and you might need some court hearings before that happens although we negotiated between ourselves so avoided any at all - much cheaper).
   
3. What information should you be putting together eg marriage cert, copies of pension statements of both of you, P60s of both of you, details of credit card bills, debts etc etc

[user1477416713]

I suggest you read up on the basics before you go so you can spend the time discussing your situation not the generalities.

There are 3 areas to think about

1. The divorce itself-who will divorce the other and on what grounds.
2. Finances
3. Arrangements for children, if any.

It will help if you know what your incomes are, and the value of any assets such as house, shares, pensions, and any liabilities ie debts including mortgage.

Wikivorce is a good source of info but there are many others.

[Chocolatecake12]

Thank you all so much.
Really useful advice.

[spongebobscaredypants]

What will happen to my house?

Rough timeline of divorce

Will it be classed as adultery as I can’t prove he’s done something and he’s denying it.

What does a divorce cost?

He’s self employed earns minimum wage plus xxxx a month dividends. He alone overpays our mortgage.

I work part time self employed earn £1k a month, maybe xxx of dividends throughout the year.

We don’t have any savings left, he used it all to start business in summer

We have another house that we rent out