Early days - seeing a solicitor

[Shoeshelpplease]

I am quite unhappy in my marriage, we have tried counselling etc but he is not really engaging.

We are plodding along but he has just done something today that is quite sneaky and that is one of my hard no nos. No cheating.

I realise I need to see a solicitor for an initial appointment just to see really how the land lies.

I used to have a high flying career but gave it all up to be a stay at home mum 15 years ago and havent done a great deal of paid work in that time.

He on the other hand has risen to the top. We have moved and travelled to support his career and I have done everything within the home, and I mean everything, he does nothing.

Our children are in private education and I would want them to stay there. I also want them to stay with me, that is a no brainer.

I want to see a solicitor to see where I would stand should we split.

My question are:-

1. Any experience in my situation and what is the likely outcome regarding finances?

1. Is there a name for this initial meeting with a solicitor? I am sure it is quite common. And should I be doing a lot of research into the solicitor as if we are going to split, they would be the one I would use?

Thanks

1. The starting point for finances would be 50/50.

1. There's no name for the initial meeting with a solicitor. It's just a first appointment I guess. (followed by many more unless you self rep).