09 Oct 2025
By Sarah Feeney, Associate, Family Law, at Gilson Gray.
Your first meeting with a Family Law solicitor is an important opportunity to talk about your specific situation, ask questions and get advice tailored to your circumstances. Despite this, many people put off taking that step because they worry about what it might mean. In this blog we look at some of the most common concerns clients have and share practical reassurance
At what is quite often already an emotional time, clients are sometimes fearful that they are being judged for the relationship choices they have made, the situation they have found themselves in or their relationship history. Others worry that instructing a solicitor or taking legal advice will somehow make things worse with their spouse or partner.
It’s important to know that solicitors are not there to judge you. Far from it in fact, we deal with complex and often difficult situations every day and our role is to listen, understand and help you find a way forward. Nothing a client tells us will shock us and that is not to say that we are dismissive of or minimise people’s concerns.
These concerns are twofold; Clients are often concerned about what the costs of legal advice will be, the way in which they will be charged and whether or not they can afford it. Most firms will explain fee structures, potential expenses, and available options before any work begins. Transparency helps ensure that there are no unexpected financial surprises.
Clients also sometimes have concerns about the division of assets such as whether they will be able to continue living in a property or lose their financial security.
An initial meeting is a chance to get clear information on costs and to understand what options are available for resolving financial matters fairly.
We are regularly asked for reassurance from clients that what they discuss with us will remain private and we are always able to offer them the reassurance that solicitors are bound by strict confidentiality rules. This means that everything that is discussed between you and your solicitor will remain private.
Speaking to a solicitor also does not mean that you will end up in a Court battle. Many cases are resolved through negotiation. Court is not an inevitability.
Taking the first step by having an initial meeting with a solicitor enables you to take advice and understand the options available to help you to decide what next steps, if any, are taken.
Seeing a Family Law solicitor is about gaining clarity and peace of mind. Often, people feel a sense of relief after their first meeting because they understand their situation better and what options are available to them. Some decide to wait before taking further steps while others may decide that they wish to progress matters more formally.
Either way, you’ll have the reassurance of knowing where you stand.
Find out more about our Family Law services here.
| Sarah Feeney Associate, Family Law |
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The information and opinions contained in this blog are for information only. They are not intended to constitute advice and should not be relied upon or considered as a replacement for advice. Before acting on any information contained in this blog, please seek solicitor’s advice from Gilson Gray.
