Starting the process of seeking legal advice about divorce, separation, or arrangements for children can feel daunting. There are often emotions to process, practical concerns to address, and unfamiliar legal territory to navigate. At Midwinters, we understand how important it is to begin with clarity and confidence — which is why we offer a secure, easy-to-use online induction questionnaire to help clients get the most out of their first meeting with us.
This article explains how the questionnaire works, what you can expect, and the many benefits it offers to clients thinking about taking that first step.
Why Start Online?
When you’re dealing with family breakdown or planning a change in your legal relationship, time matters — but so does having the space to reflect. Our online questionnaire allows you to provide important background information in your own time, from the comfort of your home or on your mobile.
Whether you’re enquiring about divorce, civil partnership dissolution, financial arrangements, child contact, or cohabitation issues, the system is designed to guide you step by step.
What Does the Questionnaire Cover?
The online questionnaire invites you to answer a tailored set of questions relevant to your situation. Depending on the type of matter you’re enquiring about, this may include:
- Your relationship history and current status
- Any children involved and existing arrangements
- Financial details such as property, pensions, and income
- Agreements made or concerns raised to date
- Key documents (which can be uploaded securely)
By completing this in advance, you give your solicitor a fuller picture from the outset — allowing for a more focused, productive, and personalised first conversation.
What Are the Benefits?
Better Preparation = Better Advice
Time is valuable — especially in a first consultation. When we already have the key facts and background, your solicitor can spend more of your meeting discussing your options and likely outcomes. You’ll receive more targeted legal advice based on a full understanding of your circumstances.
Clarity and Control for You
The online questionnaire allows you to present your side of the story in your own words and on your own terms. You can pause and return to it as needed. For many clients, this step alone brings a sense of clarity and focus before speaking to a solicitor.
Faster Progress
Because much of the information gathering is done in advance, we’re often able to progress your matter more quickly. That might mean drafting documents sooner or responding to time-sensitive issues without delay.
Secure and Confidential
The system is built with security and confidentiality in mind. Your data is encrypted and protected, and only shared with your solicitor once submitted. You can also upload supporting documents safely, saving you the hassle of printing or scanning items later on.
Free to Use and Easy to Access
There is no cost to complete the online induction questionnaire. It’s available 24/7 via our website and works on desktop, tablet, and mobile — whenever suits you best.
Supports Our Free Initial Consultation
At Midwinters, we offer a free initial half-hour consultation for new family law clients — available in person, by phone, or via video call. By using the online questionnaire first, you make this time even more valuable and focused.
Who Can Use It?
Our online induction system is suitable for anyone making a family law enquiry — whether you’re:
- Thinking about separation but unsure of your options
- Recently separated and seeking clarity on financial arrangements or child contact
- Considering a cohabitation agreement, pre-nuptial, or post-nuptial agreement
- In the early stages of a divorce or civil partnership dissolution
- In a dispute about living arrangements for children or financial disclosure
Whatever your situation, we’ve designed the process to be accessible, respectful, and informative — a genuine helping hand at what is often a difficult moment.
Designed Around You
The questionnaire adapts based on your responses, so you only see questions relevant to your circumstances. There are explanations and prompts to guide you. Many clients say they feel more informed and empowered simply by completing it.
And of course, you don’t need to go it alone — if at any point you’re unsure, you can pause and contact us directly for support.
How to Get Started
Starting your family law journey with Midwinters is simple:
👉 Click here to begin your confidential online questionnaire
Once submitted, we’ll review your information and be in touch to confirm your free consultation and next steps.
Prefer to speak to someone first? You can also call 01242 514674 to speak with Lucy Webley, Partner and specialist family solicitor, or Linda, her experienced PA.
Why Clients Choose Midwinters
We’ve supported clients in Cheltenham and beyond for generations, offering friendly, professional advice in complex and emotionally charged circumstances. Whether you need help with divorce, child arrangements, financial settlements, or future planning such as living together agreements, our aim is always the same: to protect your interests and help you move forward.
Our online questionnaire is just one of the ways we make the legal process more accessible, transparent and efficient — and we’re proud to offer this modern approach alongside our traditional commitment to care and quality.
Conclusion
Taking the first step in a family law matter is never easy — but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By completing our secure online induction questionnaire, you set the stage for a more focused, informed, and supportive experience.
You’ll spend less time repeating details, and more time getting advice that’s tailored to your needs — all with the reassurance that you’re in safe hands with the Midwinters team.
👉 Start your confidential online questionnaire now, or call us on 01242 514674 to book your free initial consultation.