What to ask a Divorce Lawyer
Hello,
I'm very likely going to be getting a divorce soon.
I'm not sure who and what to be asking for and don't trust the AI responses from Web browser as I keep being told different things.
Firstly, neither of us did anything wrong. We've just grown apart and squabble loads. After months of counselling with no improvement, we are discussing calling it a day.
No children but questions on joint assets:
We have a very small joint savings account (£3,000) that will likely be drained with this process. I told my partner I am more than happy to give back what they put in it to manage the process themself, or I can do it and give whatever is left back to them at the end.
Is it better for me to hold onto the money until we look at assets or resolve ourselves?
We have a house and a mortgage that we are tenants in common for.
They didn't contribute anything to the deposit, but we are on the mortgage 50/50. We are put down as tenants in common to reflect the difference in contribution to the house. I will likely be buying them out or removing them from the mortgage and deeds, then giving them their equity. (I don't think they will get any equity or buyout from this as the house has lost value, but thats not my issue)
I've read in a few places that marriage overrides a tenant in common contract, and despite this being put in place to prevent a 50/50 split, it can still happen.
How likely is this?
Is it better to buy them out or remove them and give cash?
The only other asset either of us care about is our pet. Which I found, bought, insured, and chipped. The pet is 100% in my name despite us seeing it as our pet.
Would they be able to take the pet away from me?
I'm obviously looking around at divorce lawyers and getting prepared for my consultation. But knowing what to ask and be prepared for helps.
Also, is it better to get a fixed rate lawyer or a pay as you go one?
Thank you