What to Expect in Your First Meeting With a Family Lawyer: Divorce & Financial Matters

Beginning the divorce process or seeking advice about finances can feel unfamiliar and overwhelming. At Nelsons, we understand that taking this first step is significant. Your initial meeting is designed to provide clarity, reassurance and practical guidance, helping you understand your position and the options available to you.

Knowing what to expect can help ease some of the uncertainty. Below, we outline what your first meeting will cover, the information that will be helpful to bring and how we will work together to establish a clear path forward.

What to bring with you (if you have it)

It can be helpful to bring:

If you don’t have these yet, we can still advise you fully.

Talking through the background of your marriage and separation

We will begin by discussing the history of your relationship, the circumstances of your separation and any key events that may influence your divorce or financial settlement. This helps us understand the wider context of your situation. We will guide the conversation with clear questions to ensure that the relevant issues – particularly those relating to property, finances, children and family dynamics – are covered.

Identifying your priorities and what you want to achieve

Every client approaches divorce with different concerns. For some, financial security is the priority. Others may be focused on retaining the family home, understanding their pension rights or protecting business interests. During your first meeting, we will help you clarify what matters most. This ensures that any advice on financial settlements, spousal maintenance, or asset division aligns with your long‑term objectives.

Clear advice on your legal position and financial options

Once we have the background, we will explain your legal position in straightforward terms. This includes discussing the options available for resolving financial matters, such as:

We will talk through how financial disclosure works, the principles the court applies when dividing assets, and what you can realistically expect. Our aim is for you to leave the meeting with a clear understanding of the process and your potential outcomes.

Understanding financial disclosure and what will be needed

In financial cases, full and accurate disclosure is essential. We will explain the information you will ultimately need, such as:

You do not need to bring everything to the first meeting. An overview of your financial circumstances is a helpful starting point, and we will guide you on the documents you need to gather next.

Practical next steps tailored to your situation

You will receive tailored advice about the immediate steps to take following the meeting. Depending on your circumstances, this may include:

Our guidance is practical, realistic and designed to support you through the process.

Your questions about divorce, costs and timescales

It is normal to have many questions at this stage. Common queries include:

We will answer all questions clearly, so you understand the likely pathway ahead. We encourage you to ask anything that’s on your mind – there are no silly questions, and understanding the process fully is essential to feeling confident about moving forward.

Leaving the meeting with clarity and direction

By the end of your meeting, you should feel informed and reassured. You will have a clear overview of the divorce and financial process, realistic expectations of possible outcomes and a simple plan for the next steps. Our aim is to help you move forward with confidence, supported by clear advice tailored to your needs.