Meeting with your family law solicitor for the first time

Publications > Meeting with your family law solicitor for the first time

 

December 2011

 

Many clients are unsure of what information to bring with them to their initial appointment with a family law solicitor or how much information they will need to tell their solicitor..

 

Whether you need someone just to explain the process to you so you can make an informed decision or need advice on arrangements for the children or financial matters, when meeting with our family law solicitors for the first time, it is important that you are prepared. This will ensure you get the maximum benefit from your initial meeting and save you costs in the long run.

 

It might be helpful to make notes in preparation for your meeting. As a guide, your solicitor will want to know information about the following:-

 

General information

 

• Key dates such as:-
  • when you got married or started living together,
  • birth dates of yourself, your former partner/ spouse and the children,
  • the date you separated,
  • when you acquired major assets like the house/cars/investment property;
• Is your former partner or spouse legally represented and if yes, who is their lawyer;

 

Information about property

 

• List of the current assets and liabilities, whether in your name, joint names, your partner’s name or in a family trust or company;
• Copies of any and all relevant financial documents – income tax returns, business or personal bank statements, superannuation statements, credit card statements;
• If there is an agreement with your former partner or spouse about the division of property, what are the terms of that agreement and is it achievable. For example, if you are going to retain the family home are you able to refinance the mortgage into your sole name;
• If there is no agreement about the property settlement, then what are your expectations and why;

 

Information about the children

 

• A copy of any existing Order or Parenting Plan (written agreement) concerning the children;
• Have you been to mediation with your former partner or spouse about the children and if yes, when and where;
• If mediation has not occurred, would you feel comfortable attending mediation with your spouse or former partner and if not, why not;
• Was there any domestic violence in your relationship or do you have concerns about your safety or that of the children when they are with the other parent;
• Your proposal to resolve the care arrangements for the children and how it can best be implemented;
• Any special occasions or significant events where you would like the children to be in your care so that these can be canvassed at the outset.

 

Remember, the more information you can provide your solicitor with, the more efficiently your solicitor can provide you with timely advice and progress your family law matter.

 

For more information on Binding Financial Agreements, please contact Tuskeen Jacobs on 3009 8444 or t.jacobs@rostroncarlyle.com.

 

Someone you can relate to

 

Most importantly, Rostron Carlyle shows a depth of understanding of and empathy towards the emotional, personal and financial complexities and pressures of marriage, separation and divorce.

 

A Rostron Carlyle lawyer will be a person that you can relate to.  We'’ll talk your language. Most

importantly, a relationship with a Rostron Carlyle lawyer will be "a relationship you can rely on".