{"id":4205,"date":"2018-08-20T09:17:17","date_gmt":"2018-08-20T08:17:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/?p=4205"},"modified":"2023-08-14T11:30:15","modified_gmt":"2023-08-14T10:30:15","slug":"when-should-i-contact-a-divorce-solicitor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/when-should-i-contact-a-divorce-solicitor\/","title":{"rendered":"When should I contact a divorce solicitor?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.21.0&#8243; text_font=&#8221;Raleway||||||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; header_text_align=&#8221;justify&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;#c5b2b1&#8243; header_2_text_align=&#8221;justify&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#c984a4&#8243; text_orientation=&#8221;justified&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Last time on the blog we talked about how it\u2019s natural to turn to a solicitor straightaway once you\u2019ve decided to divorce. And I explained why this isn\u2019t a good idea. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/5-questions-you-dont-need-to-ask-your-divorce-solicitor\/\"><span class=\"s2\"><b>Catch up now<\/b><\/span><\/a> if you missed it, that blog alone could save you thousands!<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0So you might ask, <em><strong>when should I contact a divorce solicitor?<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>My vision is for you to be supported through your divorce process so that you make smart emotional and financial decisions which enable you to move forward with your life.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p>When you buy a house, the last thing you do is hire a solicitor to do the conveyancing.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Before then, you\u2019ve made lots of decisions about the house you are going to buy. It\u2019s the same with divorce. Seeing a solicitor should ideally come last.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"so_when_is_it_best_to_find_a_solicitor\"><\/span><span class=\"s1\"><b>So when is it best to find a solicitor?<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">In short, the best time to contact a solicitor is when you are ready to \u201cinstruct\u201d them. This means you are ready to ask the solicitor to act on your behalf, so they can legally represent you as you go through the divorce process, and any legal processes related to money and children. This is for the things you can\u2019t or don\u2019t want to do yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">To get to that point you need to have done your research about what you want from your divorce, and be clear on how you would like to proceed. Sadly, in my experience, uncertainty in divorce costs lots of time, money and often sanity.<br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_do_i_need_to_think_about_before_hiring_instructing_a_solicitor\"><\/span><span class=\"s1\"><b>What do I need to think about before hiring (instructing) a solicitor?<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Here are some of the key questions to ask yourself before you even consider making contact with a solicitor (bear in mind this isn\u2019t a comprehensive checklist \u2013 everyone\u2019s circumstances are different): <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Is the marriage really over?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Am I emotionally ready to divorce?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Am I entitled to divorce under English law?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Have I discussed this with my spouse?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Do I know what the finances look like?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Do I know what my post-divorce income needs are?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">How much is my divorce likely to cost? <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Do I know what I want to happen with the children?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Do I know what I want my post-divorce life to look like?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Is my spouse in agreement with my ideas?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Which of the five facts [see blog post] will I use to demonstrate my marriage has irretrievably broken down?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">What practical and emotional support will I have as I divorce?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how_do_i_take_control_and_save_money\"><\/span><span class=\"s1\"><b>How do I take control and save money?<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Knowledge is power.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>So having crystal clear clarity on your answers to these and related questions before contacting a solicitor does two things. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Firstly, it places you in control of your divorce. While it doesn\u2019t mean everything will necessarily go your way (for example if you and your spouse disagree) it does mean you will be informed and be able to make right decisions for your future.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Whilst it may feel scary to even consider answering these questions and having a conversation with your spouse about them it is always better to know where you stand rather than hope for the best. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Secondly, it is likely your divorce will cost you less. In the legal world time equals money. If you are well prepared, have consulted with your spouse and know how to manage the process, there are likely to be fewer flashpoints, and less of your solicitor\u2019s time taken up answering your questions. Remember solicitors often charge in six-minute increments, so every phone call, letter, email is considerable billable (to you!). Doing your research can save you a fortune. Literally thousands of pounds. When you\u00a0<em>are\u00a0<\/em>ready, find a good solicitor from <span style=\"color: #c984a4;\"><strong><a style=\"color: #c984a4;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.resolution.org.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Resolution<\/a><\/strong><\/span>. Resolution lawyers are collaboratively trained, helping you focus on settlement rather than litigation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how_do_i_educate_myself_on_the_divorce_process_and_get_the_impartial_emotional_support_i_need\"><\/span><b>How do I educate myself on the divorce process and get the impartial emotional support I need?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/the-absolute-academy\/\"><b>Club D36<\/b><\/a><\/span><span class=\"s1\"> was created exactly for this purpose. Club D36 is a community of women who are ready to divorce. They want to get informed and take control of their divorce, before it takes control of them. Imagine how that will feel for you.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Losing the fear and uncertainty of the future and creating a vision of your future life.<br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Getting divorced is a relatively easy legal process. It\u2019s simply about completing forms and gaining agreement on finances. Sounds too easy, right? However, when your life is about to change significantly it takes time to process your feelings. That\u2019s why I formed Club D36, to help you, exactly where you are. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"will_i_get_access_to_you_emma\"><\/span><span class=\"s1\"><br \/><b>Will I get access to you Emma?<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b><br \/><\/b>Yes, as your divorce coach and expert on the emotional aspects of divorce I am available in Club D36 every week, answering your questions and providing support to help women just like you manage your divorce your way. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how_long_will_it_take_for_me_to_get_the_information_i_need\"><\/span><span class=\"s1\"><b>How long will it take for me to get the information I need?<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b><\/b>I suggest that you join for 90 days: in the first three months of your membership we can answer ALL of your questions, no matter how big or small they feel. Together we will build your confidence, so that you won\u2019t be bamboozled by fancy legal terminology or any naughtiness from your spouse.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>You\u2019ll give yourself time to get your emotions in check, and the courage to take the next step when you\u2019re ready (not when your soon to be ex-husband is!).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"is_club_d36_safe\"><\/span><b>Is Club D36 safe?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In Club D36 we offer you a safe space to be honest and open.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>We trust each other implicitly and have an unwritten code of conduct to be fully supportive at all time.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Kindness is one of my key values, and this permeates through Club D36.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"who_is_in_club_d36\"><\/span><b>Who is in Club D36?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You\u2019ll connect with a small group of other women who are on the same journey as you, who aren\u2019t emotionally invested in your relationship with your spouse like your friends and family are, who are going to become your fiercest cheerleaders.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how_will_club_d36_help_me_with_the_legal_process\"><\/span><b>How will Club D36 help me with the legal process?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As a Club D36 member we\u2019ll help you decide when is the right time for you to start the legal process, and by this time, you&#8217;ll already have an understanding of the legal process and how it works. You may also have done lots of the process yourself using the materials in the the Club.\u00a0<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0If and w<\/span>hen you do need a solicitor, you\u2019ll be instructing them rather than asking or checking. You truly will become the director of your divorce and your future.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how_do_i_join\"><\/span><span class=\"s1\"><b>How do I join?<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b><\/b>I invite you to join Club D36 today. With a monthly investment of only \u00a336 per month, you\u2019ll be spending just over \u00a3100 in 3 months (less than a Starbucks a day).<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>This investment in you and your future life is likely to save hundreds, if not thousands, on your divorce costs. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">And that\u2019s the way to manage divorce on your terms. With support, up-to-date information and a small community of like-minded women who\u2019ve got your back. I\u2019d love to have you join us: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/the-absolute-academy\/\"><span class=\"s2\"><b>join today<\/b><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>So I beg of you, do not instruct a solicitor until you\u2019re ready.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Really ready. Here are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/5-questions-you-dont-need-to-ask-your-divorce-solicitor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><span style=\"color: #c5b2b1;\">5 questions you don&#8217;t need to ask your divorce<\/span> <span style=\"color: #c5b2b1;\">solicitor<\/span><\/strong><\/a>. Please don\u2019t be forced to move quickly, because it suits your spouse.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>This is your divorce too.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Take all the time you need, and I\u2019ll be here to help you every step of the way.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/about-me-emma-heptonstall\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Emma Heptonstall<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0The Divorce Alchemist is author of the Amazon best selling book\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/How-Be-Lady-Who-Leaves\/dp\/1999631501\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>How to be a Lady Who Leaves the Ultimate Guide to Getting Divorce Ready<\/strong><\/a>. A former lawyer, Emma is a practising family mediator and founder of Get Divorce Ready the online self study and group programme to help you get control of your divorce before it gets control of you. Emma has been featured on BBC Radio, The Telegraph, the iPaper and in Marie Claire Magazine. To find out more visit\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>www.emmaheptonstall.com<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last time on the blog we talked about how it\u2019s natural to turn to a solicitor straightaway once you\u2019ve decided to divorce. And I explained why this isn\u2019t a good idea. Catch up now if you missed it, that blog alone could save you thousands!\u00a0So you might ask, when should I contact a divorce solicitor? 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