What to expect at our fixed fee family law consultation

Our fixed fee family law consultation gives you time to explain your situation, ask questions and understand your options. For a fixed fee, you will meet an experienced Ashtons Legal family advisor, in person or via Zoom, and receive a detailed letter of advice afterwards. You are under no obligation to instruct us further.

Booking an appointment can feel like a significant step, especially if you are still working out what a separation might mean for you or your children. You may have one pressing question, or several worries that are difficult to untangle. You do not need to arrive with a neatly organised account of everything that has happened. We can work through it together.

How do I book a fixed fee consultation?

When you contact us, a member of our team will take some initial details, find out what you need help with and arrange a suitable appointment. The fixed fee covers the consultation and the detailed advice letter that follows; it is not a fixed fee for dealing with your whole case.

Where will I meet my family lawyer?

You can meet us at our offices in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Ipswich or Norwich, or choose a remote appointment via Zoom. Some people prefer to talk face to face; others find it easier to fit a video call around work or family commitments. If you choose Zoom, we will send joining instructions before the meeting.

Will the consultation feel formal?

We will ask questions and take time to understand what matters to you, without judgement. Our aim is to make the discussion comfortable enough for you to speak openly, while keeping it focused on the advice you need. There is no need to use legal terminology. “I am worried about paying the mortgage” or “We cannot agree on the school holidays” is a perfectly useful starting point.

What should I prepare for a family law consultation?

A short list of your main questions can help, particularly if you are concerned about forgetting something during the meeting. Bring any key documents you already have, such as correspondence from another solicitor or papers relating to an existing court case. If you are unsure what is relevant, ask us when booking. You do not need to have every figure or date to hand. It is more useful to tell us where there are gaps than to feel you must have an answer to everything.

What will we discuss?

We will start with your current situation, the issues you are facing and what you hope to achieve. You might be planning ahead before marriage, reviewing arrangements during your marriage, navigating a separation or seeking help with an urgent concern. We can discuss matters such as pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, which record how you intend finances to be dealt with if you separate, as well as divorce, arrangements for children and financial questions.

You may have concerns over domestic abuse and the potential for injunctive orders, or another aspect of family law. Whatever brings you to us, you do not need to know the name of the legal process or document involved before asking for advice.

If your questions concern children, we will discuss their needs and the arrangements you are trying to make. If finances are the main concern, we will talk through assets, income, housing and immediate pressures on your budget. The practical detail matters: knowing whether your priority is meeting next month’s bills or understanding longer-term housing options helps us focus the conversation.

What legal advice will I receive?

We will explain the relevant law in England and Wales, how it relates to the information you have given us and the options available to you. We will talk through practical next steps, any court process that may apply, and realistic expectations about likely timescales and costs. Where more information is needed before we can give a firmer view, we will say so.
Court is not the only route we will consider. Where appropriate, we will explain negotiation and mediation, which involve an independent person helping you discuss issues and exploring possible agreements. We will help you understand which approaches may suit your circumstances rather than assume one route is right for everyone.

You will not be expected to make decisions on the spot. Understanding your options is a worthwhile outcome in itself.

Sometimes our discussion highlights a need for advice in another area, such as making or updating a will, or dealing with a property or business matter. Where appropriate, we can recommend another team within Ashtons Legal and, with your agreement, arrange an introduction. We would agree any additional work separately, explaining its scope and costs before it begins.

What happens after the consultation?

You will receive a detailed letter of advice summarising our discussion, explaining the legal position based on the information available and setting out your options. It will also outline the steps we recommend if you wish to instruct us to carry out further work on your behalf.
There can be a lot to take in during a first meeting. Written advice gives you something to return to once you have had time to think, rather than relying on your memory. There is no obligation to proceed.

If you decide to instruct our family lawyers

Before we begin further work, we will explain your funding options, the proposed scope of our work, and estimated costs. You will receive our client care letter and terms of engagement, which set out the basis on which we will act for you. We will then take the agreed steps to move your matter forward promptly.

Why start with a fixed fee consultation?

When so much feels uncertain, knowing what this first appointment will cost removes one question. You have dedicated time with a specialist legal advisor and written advice to consider afterwards, without unexpected charges for the agreed consultation.

You don’t need to know whether you are ready to start a legal process before seeking advice. The first meeting can simply help you understand where you stand and what a sensible next step might look like.

Contact our Family Law solicitors today

If you require legal support with any issues covered in this article, please get in touch with our specialist Family Law team by using our online enquiry form or by calling 0330 191 0070.