Free 30 mins what to ask

[strawberry2017]

Hey guys,

Planning on utilising the free 30 mins with a solicitor in the new year. How do I get the best out of my time.
What do I need to know? Have with me to assist?
What are the smart questions to ask?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Not sure of your situation but I asked about:

Will I weaken my position by moving out of the family home during divorce process?

Likely split/division of assets. Options for the house equity, e.g buying him out, offering lump sum when house is sold

Child arrangements if I am the main carer

Their fees.

Mediation - is it suitable for us?

Good luck!

You aren’t really going to get legal advice wrapped up in 30 minutes. This is an opportunity to find out if they match your needs.

For example if you know this is going to be high conflict then you need to know if they have experience with this type of divorce and what strategies they have used successfully.

If you are both reasonable people you need to know the lawyer will facilitate an amicable split.

if there are complex issues involved, business or overseas assets, again do they have experience of this.

If you are vulnerable, so they have the skills and attitude to give you the right support. Be mindful they are not therapists. But some are better skilled at shielding people from the adversarial aspects of divorce.

Fundamentally you need to establish that they have the right experience and they are the right fit for you.

To OP

LemonTT has summed it up well.

The advice I received in 30 minutes talk was more about the process than possible outcomes which was:

If both partners are sensible, the process could be completed in Approx 6 months.

If one or both partners make it a contest the process could last much longer. Look at https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=da35a269d165c1d2JmltdHM9MTcwMzExNjgwMCZpZ3VpZD0zZTUzMWI1My0yMjVkLTZmMjQtMjdmZS0wODhkMjM3YTZlZDUmaW5zaWQ9NTI2Mw&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=3&fclid=3e531b53-225d-6f24-27fe-088d237a6ed5&psq=Couple+spend+over+600k+on+divorce&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucHJlc3NyZWFkZXIuY29tL3VrL2RhaWx5LW1haWwvMjAyMDA2MDYvMjgyMDg5MTYzOTk4NjIy&ntb=1

If young children are involved, the courts will most likely make them the priority regards housing and split of assets.

Thank you guys. I appreciate you taking the time to reply.
2 young kids. Whether he is reasonable is to be determined.
I believe the solicitor I am planning to contact does have the experience needed for my situation.
I know realistically that the house will have to be sold as he's already told me he wants £50k to go and I know that the bank won't let me borrow that on top of the existing mortgage alone. So I'm currently mentally preparing for that.
I'd like to think we can both be sensible and do what's best for the kids but I don't think currently he thinks I think I'll do anything about the situation.
In true Mumsnet speak I am getting my ducks in a row so I know where I stand.

I’ve done this a couple of times.

You don’t really get time to ask that many questions, especially very specific ones about complex issues. They talk through the process, ask about finances, kids, assets etc.

So what did you find useful to have with you? Anything or is it more a general chat x