Preparing for a solicitor’s meeting can be a daunting task, especially if you’re doing so for the first time. The most important thing is to show up with us much information as you can, organised as best you can, ready to be as honest and upfront as you can. If you want to be prepared for your solicitor’s meeting, read on for our top 3 things to do before your meeting.

1. Start with a to-do list

Depending on the nature of your solicitor’s meeting, your solicitor will likely provide you with a list of items to bring to the meeting and/or things they wish you to think about or do before you get there. To ensure you don’t forget anything, write yourself a comprehensive to do list of everything you need to do prior to the meeting. This could include:

•   Compiling any documents or evidence you’ve been asked to provide
•   Filling out any forms you’ve been given
•   Reading over any documents your solicitor provided you with
•   Writing down a timeline of events 

2. Consider what you want to achieve from the meeting

There are many aspects of separation and child care arrangements to consider when attending a family solicitor. While your solicitor will be able to provide you with options you may not have considered, it’s a good idea to have at least some semblance of a plan before you go into your meeting.

Are you attempting to negotiate property settlement? Do you wish to have formal care arrangements in place for your children? Write down your goals prior to the meeting, as well as any questions you may have, so that your solicitor can gain a clear picture of what you want to achieve. Thinking about this before-hand will often mean that all your questions can be answered in one go, rather than needing to follow up later because you forgot something.

3. Get your documents in order

Have you ever been at a meeting, waiting for someone to rifle through their paperwork, only to tell everyone that they’ve left the required document at home? Don’t be that person! Getting your paperwork in order prior to your solicitor’s meeting is an absolute must. Make sure to include any formal documents required, such as children’s birth certificates, as well as informal documents such as diary notes, emails etc.

We recommend making copies of all your paperwork to provide to your solicitor. Bring along the originals in case they need to site them, and then take them home to be stored in a safe place. Your solicitor might also ask you to scan your documents so they can have an electronic copy. If you’re unsure if a document is relevant, bring it along anyway. It’s best to have as much documentation as possible, and then your solicitor can rule out any unnecessary paperwork. It’s also a good idea to put your documents in order, usually chronologically from oldest to newest. This will help your solicitor understand all relevant events in the order they happened, and saves scrounging through an unorganised pile at the meeting.

Seeing a solicitor for the first time can be unnerving, but remember that they’re here to help! Don’t be afraid to ask questions prior to your meeting, and turn up as organised as you can.

Click here to download this article.