Divorce: first steps
You do not have to have everything decided yet. You may want to know what a divorce means for the children, the home or your finances. In an initial conversation we listen to your situation and determine which questions need answers first. We also discuss whether consultation with your partner is possible and responsible.
When contacting us, please state whether urgent dates or decisions are approaching.
What do you arrange first when a divorce becomes concrete?
This page helps when the relationship breakdown is concrete and you want to know which first steps are appropriate for your family. You do not have to work out a complete arrangement yet.
Do
- Make a note of how the children, home and daily expenses are now practically arranged.
- Save existing agreements and relevant communications without reacting impulsively.
- Write down which decision you think requires clarity first.
Don’t
- Do not make a final agreement that you do not understand or cannot carry out.
- Do not use children as messengers between parents.
- Don't rely on the solution that worked for another family.
These are general initial points of interest. What is legally and practically appropriate for your family requires an assessment of your own situation.
Prepare for your first conversation
This is a preparation list, not a procedure manual and not advice about your case file.
- A brief outline of what happened
- Questions about children, living or maintenance when they play
- Existing agreements or correspondence if there are any
- Documents that you think are important
- Dates of agreements, decisions or ongoing procedures that are already known
An incomplete folder does not have to stop a first conversation. Indicate what information is still missing.
Discuss what you already have
You still live together, but want to untangle the first practical knots
Two parents in the Vlaamse Rand are considering separating. There is no procedure yet and they do not have a full agreement yet. One parent wants to know what needs to be done first for the children, the home and joint expenses. An initial discussion then starts with the current family situation, which works for the time being and where clarity is needed quickly.
This is an illustrative example. It does not describe a client or actual case file.
How do we organize the first steps in a divorce?
Flamend & Partners makes a distinction between what you need to discuss first and what can be worked out later. An agreement can solve a lot, but only if it is feasible and responsible in your situation. If consultation is not sufficient, we will discuss which legal route should be investigated.
Who handles questions about divorce and family?
Yasmine Semey handles family law questions within the team and works together with Gauthier Baudts on these case files. The conflict check, availability and content of your question determine who will be involved in the initial assessment.
A family business from Zaventem, Brussels or elsewhere in Flanders
The office in Zaventem receives clients from the Vlaamse Rand, Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia. Where any proceedings are handled does not only depend on the location of the office. This will be checked on the basis of your family situation and case file.
General information, not advice about your case file
Flamend & Partners publishes this explanation to help you organize your first questions and documents. A careful assessment starts with your facts, documents and personal circumstances.
What always depends on your case
- The duration and costs can only be estimated after we know your situation.
- An agreement is not possible or appropriate in every case.
- What is appropriate for your family cannot be deduced from general information.
Questions about the first steps in a divorce
A family situation cannot be deduced from a standard answer. These answers will help frame your initial discussion.
Should I have already decided that I want a divorce?
No. An initial conversation can also serve to identify the legal and practical questions before you choose a route.
What if we already agree on some points?
Bring those agreements with you and write down what has not yet been agreed upon. It is also examined whether the agreements are complete, clear and legally justified.
Can I just ask for advice first?
Contact us and indicate who is requesting advice and who the other parties involved are. After the conflict check, the office explains how an initial meeting can proceed.
What is the difference with the insight about a first conversation?
This situation page focuses on the first concrete actions in the event of a relationship breakdown. The broader insight First conversation during a divorce helps you prepare an exploratory conversation.
Your situation first deserves clarity.
Briefly explain what is going on. We carefully consider which next step is appropriate.