Five things to do before your first meeting with a solicitor

A first meeting is usually short. Most of it disappears into background: who lives where, what has already happened, what you own together. The more of that you bring written down, the more time is left for the part you actually came for — what your options are.

None of this is legal advice. It is simply a way to arrive prepared.

1. Write a one-page timeline

Dates first, feelings second. When you married or moved in together, when you separated, when anything important changed. Keep it to one page. If you are not sure of a date, write "around" and the month.

2. List what you own and what you owe

Home, savings, pensions, debts, cars, business interests. You do not need exact figures on day one. Rough numbers and the name of each account are enough to start a useful conversation.

3. Decide your three questions

Everyone has more than three. Choose the three that keep you awake and write them at the top of your notes. Ask those first, in case time runs out.

4. Check what the meeting costs

Ask before you go: is the first meeting free, fixed fee or charged by the hour, and what happens after it. Money worry is easier to manage when it is not a surprise.

5. Bring a way to take notes

You will not remember it afterwards. Most people do not. A notebook, or a friend who sits quietly and writes, makes a real difference.

If you are worried about safety

Tell the solicitor at the start. It changes what they can suggest, and there are specialist services that can support you alongside legal help. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.