Hello

I would like to know, do we have to attend the First Appointment or can our solicitors do so on our behalf?

I am a Brit but live in the States, divorcing after 12 years and it is pretty much impossible for me to attend such a meeting given lack of funds. I just don't have the money to fly home for this.

Help?
Thanks

Hi there

I do a lot of work with expats around the globe.

My usual practice is to obtain the permission of the court that my client be available to give instuctions throughout the hearing by telephone (which can sometimes mean they have to be avaiable in the middle of the night depending where they are), for every hearing up until the final hearing, when their attendance is necessary to give evidence.

Even for a final hearing, if at all possible we try to find courts that have video ­link­s so the client can give evidence without coming over, however, sometimes this can work out more expensive (in some parts of the States it is $250 per hour) and may not be available in the country you are in at the time necessary if it is for instance the early hours of the morning there.

In short, get your sol to write to the judge to excuse you.

Amanda