Separation - who to see first.

recipio

People, I have decided to call it a day with my marriage.
I need a preliminary chat just to outline my options. With all the experience on here should it be the family solicitor or a specialized family law solicitor. ?
Please don't advise counselling - I'm way beyond that.

thanks.

tmalmb

My suggestion, get a recommendation for a good Family Law practitioner and seek advice. If option exists for you and your partner then I would look at mediation as a way of trying to manage the breakup amicably

Cyclepath

I would advise a family law practitioner. I now know this from experience. I would also be wary of mediation, again due to my own experience.

I found the mediation service leaned very heavily in my wife's favour. This may have been because I'd checked out of the marriage and I was the one requesting separation without counselling. I was therefore the 'bad-guy'. It may have been because she was better at painting me as the villain. In any case I did not find them to be impartial.

I left my marriage feeling guilty, despite years of emotional and physical abuse from my ex. I gave her a stupidly generous settlement and it has taken me 10 years to recover.

Fight your corner...

recipio

Thanks all. I agree, using an experienced solicitor is vital. I'm a little wary of professionals who tend to see dollar signs in your eyes but I'll persevere.

cheers.