Divorce & Family: What to Expect at Your Initial Legal Consultation

The aim of the initial consultation is to clearly explain what lies ahead and the options open to you. The consultation will be by phone or video call. We will discuss your objectives, and help you decide how you want to achieve them.

We suggest you prepare a list of questions and issues that you would like to discuss, to make the most of your initial appointment.

The consultation will focus on the needs of your particular situation and will include where appropriate advice on:

  • Options for Resolving Your Claims
  • Financial Disclosure
  • Potential Outcomes
  • Arrangements for Children

Options for Resolving Your Claims

We will discuss the various options open to you to bring about a resolution to the financial claims that arise when a relationship breaks down. At the initial meeting our solicitors will explain the options for dispute resolution, including all aspects of alternative dispute resolution such as mediation and collaborative-based approaches.

We will take you through the pros and cons of each option, discussing how they may fit your circumstances. You will then be able to make an informed choice about which will work best for you.

What to expect at your initial divorce legal consultation

Financial Disclosure

It will be useful if you were in a position to provide an overview of your financial situation. A preliminary understanding of your financial position will allow our solicitors to assess issues around asset and income division, current and future. If there is a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, bring this along. Similarly, if you have a pension, bring along any information you may have.

Please only bring along your own financial paperwork, because your solicitor cannot deal with the financial papers relating to your ex-partner.

Potential Outcomes

With the benefit of the financial information and background you supply, our solicitors can explain to you how the courts would approach the division of assets, and the sorts of Financial Orders that can be made.

Understanding the potential outcomes will put you in a better position to secure a suitable financial settlement.

Arrangements for Children

If you want to discuss arrangements for your children, our solicitors will advise you as to the law and the best way to approach organising arrangements for your children.

Initial Fixed Fee Consultation

Come and talk to us. You’ll find us empathetic, keen to help and with a wealth of experience. We offer a fixed fee consultation of £120 for the first appointment. You will be advised on the options open to you and the possible outcomes. Our priority is to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the path ahead and the challenges involved in achieving your goals.

Disclaimer: This guide contains general information only and does not constitute legal advice.  You need to consult a suitably qualified lawyer from the firm on any specific legal issue. 

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Barr Ellison LLP in Cambridge has a small but highly regarded family law practice, which handles divorce, financial matters including international assets or income streams, property settlements, and children arrangements. Lead partner Sarah Martin and vastly experienced associate Karen Anker are known for 'a personal service of an extremely high quality', and clients remark that they 'fight their client's cases with clarity and great attention to detail'. Martin, who frequently acts for high-net-worth individuals, academics, and entrepreneurs, is particularly well known for her expertise in private children law matters.
Legal 500 Guide

‘Very experienced, diligent and conscientious solicitors. Clients are given the personal attention of their specialist solicitor.’

‘Sarah Martin really cares about her clients and she does in fact go the extra mile. She has complex work which she handles with real skill and diligence.’

‘A very experienced family team in Sarah Martin and Karen Anker. Both very well respected within the Cambridge family law community and beyond.’

‘Sarah Martin and her team have provided me with excellent results and professionalism. Being women themselves, they sincerely empathized with my emotions as a woman, offering me considerable strength and support. Moreover, their sharp and precise work left me satisfied. I also admire their patience.’