Information needed prior to solicitors appointment

[Marmadukedukeduke]

I've posted before, so may be familiar. I ended my marriage with my husband earlier this year but covid has meant us staying in the same house and ultimately agreeing to live together for the children's sake for as long as possible. Anyway, it's not working and I want out.
There's history of emotional and financial abuse and he's now threatening me with losing the kids, Bankrupting me etc. I need to make an appointment with my solicitor to understand where I stand with both children but also financially.
I want to make sure that I make the most of any solicitor time I get. Any tips on the kind of Information I need to bring along to the solicitors and what exactly I need to ask for?
Thanks for your help.

If you usually care mainly for the children then the worst case scenario would be 50/50 care. Your husband for now if you have the children living with you will need to pay child maintenance.

As regards finances, what you earn, your husband earns , any savings, pensions equity in the house etc.

Take as much information as you can with regards to your finances. Bank Statements, life insurance policies, pensions information (for both of you) details of how you own your house, latest mortgage statement and details of approximate value of property so you have an idea of the equity.

To make the most of your time, stay on point. The solicitor isn’t your therapist or best friend. They don’t need blow by blow accounts of his failings as a husband. They need details and they need to know what you want them to do for you.

Make a list of your assets and liabilities. Back this up with documentation. There’s no point in handing over document and expecting / paying a solicitor to tally them for you. Present it in a way that is helpful, highlight anomalies.

Have details of your incomes and earning potential listed. Include known benefits entitlement and what either of you could earn not what you do at the moment.

Work out your likely outgoings as a single parent. Use the money saving template for this.

Establish a realistic goal to achieve based on needs and affordability. Don’t pay the solicitor money to try to persuade you that you don’t need a 5 bed house.

Work out a description of your ex that will help the solicitor in their dealing with him. Avoid using a series of examples or stories to back this up. If he is a bully, avoidant and a liar, just say this.