Talking to solicitor about divorce vs separation etc ?

[Silentbob219]

I am currently separated from my wife and am seeing a Divorce/seperation lawyer tommorow for an hour session for advice.

I want to you use the time as best as I can so am looking for a list of good questions to ask them?

Thanks in advance xxx

[Taramere]

I am currently separated from my wife and am seeing a Divorce/seperation lawyer tommorow for an hour session for advice.

I want to you use the time as best as I can so am looking for a list of good questions to ask them?

Thanks in advance xxx

 

Hi Bob. Firstly, the solicitor will be wanting to use the time to ask you the info they need in order to advise you properly. They know what they need in order to get a handle on your situation. They'll need to know the date of separation, whether you have children under 16 (or children over 16 who are in further education). They'll also want to know what you already have in place regarding contact (with the children) arrangements.

 

They'll want to know what sort of matrimonial property there is. If you and your wife have pensions, life assurance policies and other assets/investments that could be included. Also, what your plans are regarding the matrimonial property - ie whether one of you plans to buy the other one out, or if you want to put it on the market and divide the proceeds (once matrimonial debts are paid).

 

At this point it would be usual for a solicitor to be talking about drawing up a separation agreement which would usually involve agreement about how finances will be divided and also include provision for contact between the children and non resident parent. If you and your wife don't have kids under 16 and you can sort out a financial agreement between you (eg via a separation agreement) then potentially, depending on where you live, you could go for a simplified divorce which is a great deal cheaper. Ask your solicitor about that. You don't want to be paying out more than you have to.