SIX THINGS YOU WANT WHEN YOU SEE A SOLICITOR ABOUT A FAMILY MATTER (How to Best Instruct Your Solicitor) 1. Take with you a short summary of what you believe your income and assets to be, including if possible in relation to your spouse/partner. 2. Give some background to the break-up of the relationship. Whilst this may not be strictly necessary in the legal sense, it does help your Solicitor to get a flavour of other possible issues and how your former spouse/partner is likely to respond. Forewarned is forearmed! 3. Recognise that it is a very big step which you are taking, often seeing a Solicitor for the first time about this issue will be the first step you are taking to formally end the relationship. You may be emotional but do not be embarrassed, your Solicitor will be sympathetic and will have dealt with a number of cases similar to yours. 4. Be clear about what you would like to achieve, not only in terms of outcome but also at the end of your meeting. 5. Take a checklist of questions with you. 6. Check out whether you feel comfortable with the Solicitor who you propose to instruct. It is a very personal relationship and you will need to work together. With 4 main areas; Divorce, the Children, Financial Matters and General, Deborah Levy will look at each area with regard to your personal circumstances and family law.