The first interview with a solicitor — questions to ask

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-28

Walk into your first meeting with a family solicitor ready. An initial consultation is often free or at a fixed low fee, and it is a two-way conversation: they are assessing your case, and you are assessing them. This guide tells you what to bring, how to steer the meeting, and exactly which questions to ask so you leave in control and no poorer than you need to be.

Before you go — what to bring

Get your papers in order so the meeting uses the hour wisely:

Your written questions. Even if you memorise them, a list on your phone stops the nerves from blanking you. See the "must-ask" list below.
Your forms if any exist — a copy of the C100 (child arrangements), Form A (financial remedy), or whatever application has been issued or served on you.
Key dates — when you separated, when the other side applied, hearing dates, when urgent arrangements were put in place.
Financial snapshot — recent payslips, bank statements, mortgage/property papers and a rough figure for what you earn, spend and own. You don't need everything; a one-page summary is ideal.
Letters and messages relevant to the dispute (the other side's correspondence, and anything that may be evidence of domestic abuse if you're applying for legal aid).
Photo ID and, if relevant, proof of means (benefits letter, tax letter) — important if you're asking about legal aid.

How to structure the hour

Most first meetings follow the same shape. Use it to your advantage:

1. Tell your story in order, briefly — what happened, what you want, what's urgent. Keep it to 5–10 minutes. 2. Hear their initial read — what the realistic options are (negotiation, mediation, court), before you talk money. 3. Ask your questions (below). 4. Clarify costs and next steps before you leave. If they propose work, get a figure. 5. Take notes — write down their answers as you go, and the names of any forms or deadlines they mention.

Do not sign anything or hand over a retainer at the meeting unless you are comfortable. It is fine (and sensible) to say "I want to think about this and compare."

Must-ask questions

1. Fees, fixed fees and legal aid — get it in writing

"Do you charge for this first meeting, and if so, how much?"
"What is your hourly rate, and who is actually doing the work — you, a paralegal or a trainee, at what rates?"
"Do you offer a fixed fee for any part of this?" (e.g. the divorce petition, a financial consent order, one day of hearings). Fixed fees give you certainty.
"Can you give me a written estimate of the total cost for the whole case?"
"What bills will I see on top — court fees, barrister's fees, VAT, printing?"
"Do I qualify for legal aid?" (family legal aid is narrow — mostly children cases with evidence of domestic abuse — and means-tested; ask, don't assume). Legal aid solicitors hold a contract and must be accredited.
"Will you send me a client care letter setting out costs and the terms?" — they are required to give you this under the Solicitors Regulation Authority Code of Conduct, with a copy of the SRA leaflet "What happens if I complain?" Ask for it; it protects you.

2. Strategy and approach

"What is your strategy for my case? What would you do first?"
"Can I do parts myself (unbundled / limited-scope work) to keep costs down — for example, you draft the papers and I attend hearings?" Many firms offer this; it cuts your bill sharply.
"Do you have experience with my kind of case — children arrangements, financial remedies, domestic abuse, or representing a self-representing parent?" Ask for specifics, not incantations.
"Who will be my day-to-day contact and can I email you?" Response times matter.

3. Likely outcome — be realistic, not sold

"Based on my facts, what outcome do you genuinely expect — and what is the worst and most likely realistic outcome?"
"What are the strengths and weaknesses of my position?" A good solicitor tells you the weaknesses. A salesman only sells.
"Is going to court actually necessary, or is mediation/negotiation realistic?" Courts expect most people to have attempted a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) before applying for many private-law children cases.

4. Timescales and forms

"How long will each stage take — from now, to the first hearing, to final resolution?"
"What are the next steps and deadlines, and what forms do I need to file?" Ask them to list the forms by name and number (e.g. C100, Form A, EX160 for fee remission).
"Is any deadline urgent? Are there down-to-the-day deadlines I must not miss?"
"How long does your firm take to reply and turn work around?"

Red flags — when to walk away

Trust your instincts. Be wary if a solicitor:

Refuses to talk costs or dodges a written estimate, or asks you to pay a large lump sum up front with nothing in writing.
Guarantees a result ("I'll win this for you"). No honest lawyer can guarantee a court outcome.
Promises to "destroy" or "crush" the other side and stokes the conflict — this inflates your bill and hurts your case. Family courts prefer resolution.
Pressures you to sign today or offers a "special deal, only if you instruct now."
Can't explain the basics of your case back to you clearly, or talks down to you.
Discourages mediation outright for no reason, or pushes you into court when it isn't proportionate.
Makes you feel small, rushed, or paying for endless telephone tag.

How to decide

Cost, competence and comfort — in that order, but all three matter:

Cost: compare written fixed-fee quotes and cost estimates from more than one firm. Ask about unbundled help.
Competence: did they clearly understand your case and give a realistic strategy? Do they handle this area of family law regularly?
Comfort: you will tell this person very personal things. Choose someone who explains plainly, listens, and treats you as a partner — not a pay-cheque.

A final interview is not marriage. Shop around, sleep on it, and remember the cheapest bill is the case that ends quickly and well.

Official links

Finding a solicitor & costs — Law Society: https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/for-the-public
SRA Code of Conduct & client care (solicitors): https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/standards-regulations/code-conduct-solicitors/
Legal aid eligibility & Civil Legal Advice: https://www.gov.uk/legal-aid
Apply to a family court (forms & fees): https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-family-court
Court fees help (form EX160): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-help-with-court-fees
Mediation and the MIAM requirement: https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk

This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with HMCTS, the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the Law Society or gov.uk.

Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.