Most people who come to see us for the first time are very nervous about doing so. It is a big thing to accept that your marriage has got to the stage where you feel you need legal advice about a separation.
We know how hard it is for you to come and talk to us. But remember, you are not alone in how you are feeling. Everyone feels the same way.
When you make the call to see whether arranging a meeting is right for you, we will ask you just a little bit about your situation. This is so we can understand what is most important to you and we can concentrate on that if you decide to arrange a meeting with us. However, you don’t have to tell us much or anything at all if you are not feeling up to it.
We can arrange a meeting at a time to suit you. We can fit around work or child care commitments. You can have a meeting early or late in the day or we will fit it into your lunch hour. You can meet with us in person or a virtual video meeting can be arranged. We can send you a link to access this. All you need to do is click on it. You don’t need to worry about downloading software.
If you don’t have a private email or don’t want telephone calls, we will promise not to contact you. If you are happy for us to email you, we will send you information about how to find the office, local parking maps and information about the meeting.
If you would like to meet in person, when you arrive, we will meet you and help put you at ease. There will be chocolate – who doesn’t want chocolate at times of stress – as well as tea and coffee. We would have gin and tonic too but duty calls!
We will listen to you so we really understand your situation. We will need to ask you some questions so we can give you the best advice about your options for sorting out the things that are worrying you. You will have lots of questions for us too and you should feel quite comfortable about asking them. There is no such thing as a silly question. We have been through divorce thousands of times but this may well be your first time and we understand it is a real step into the unknown for you.
You may find it helpful to bring in some notes about things you want to talk about or ask. We will have paper and pen for you to make notes during the meeting.
We are not here to try to sell you a divorce. We want to help you decide the best option for you and your future. If you decide to meet with us, there is no obligation to do anything further. We are not going to pressurise you in any way.
If you want us to support you with resolving the issues that are worrying you, there will be no obligation to move forward until you are ready. Everything will progress at a pace which suits you.
If you are thinking of separation or divorce or your partner has raised it, come and talk to us at Harrogate Family Law. We specialise in family law – it is all we do. We listen, we care and we understand.
Call us on 01423 594680.
Emma Doughty is family lawyer who provides straightforward, easy to understand advice. She is passionate about helping people and using her expertise to achieve the best outcome possible. She has been described by her clients as “tremendous and incredibly supportive”.
Everyone’s circumstances are different and this article is provided by way of general information only and must not be relied upon. If you require legal advice on a family law issue, please feel free to contact us by emailing enquiries@harrogatefamilylaw.co.uk.
