Family law consumer checklist

Checklist for your appointment: Family Law

Before your first appointment:

Find out the cost and time for the first appointment
Check what documents you need to bring
Prepare a brief note of the problem, your questions and what you’d like to happen
Gather copies of relevant documents (including financial details)
Think about contact/residence arrangements for any minor children

What are my options and options for any children
Any concerns about the safety of myself and any other person or children
Can I get legal aid assistance for my case
Estimated overall cost, and how the fees are calculated
Extra costs that I might be expected to pay
Payment arrangements: deposit/monthly/credit card/on receipt of invoice / any special arrangements
Does my solicitor need any other information now

Tell the solicitor if you need more time to consider your options, and agree a date when you’ll confirm what you want to do next
If you decide to go ahead, agree how and when you want to get updates on the progress and the costs
Discuss whether you want to approve any drafts of letters before they are sent out
Make sure you read, understand and keep safe the terms of business that are sent to you
Tell your solicitor of any changes in your situation, including any new concerns
Be prepared to confirm your instructions or your answers to previous questions
Find out who you can contact if your solicitor is not available immediately
Ask the solicitor to explain what you should expect if your case goes to court

Make a note of any other questions or points that you need to remember