how to prepare a list for your attorney

What should I bring to my first meeting with a lawyer?

In short, anything you own that can be passed on should be identified and listed for your attorney, so they may adequately cover the topic in your will. Existing Debts. In addition to providing a detailed list of assets in a manner that allows them to be easily identified and located, an individual must provide their attorney with a list of debts.

How do I find the right lawyer for me?

Oct 23, 2018 · Prepare a list of questions you want to ask your lawyer so that you can share your concerns. Chronology of events. Have a detailed list of all the events related to your case, in chronological order. Make sure this list is as accurate as possible so that your lawyer can understand all the details of your case. Proof of identity

What should I include in my letter to my lawyer?

Oct 21, 2021 · Ask friends and colleagues for referrals. Poke around online lawyer directories to read profiles of lawyers in your area, and. Read online reviews. For each of the attorneys on your list, call the office to learn more about the lawyer’s: Expertise. Specifically, find out if the lawyer will handle a case like yours.

What questions should I ask a lawyer before hiring an attorney?

Sep 15, 2016 · 1. Ask about itemized bills during your consultation. Before hiring an attorney, you should schedule a consultation. At the consultation, you can ask a variety of questions, including about fees. You should ask whether the lawyer will provide you with an itemized bill and whether it will increase your costs.

How do you create an exhibit list?

Here are some core tips for building user-friendly exhibit lists and exhibits for trial.#1: Know the rules. ... #2: Have enough copies on hand for trial. ... #3: Make your exhibits easy for use in court. ... #4: Make sure your internal exhibit list is user-friendly. ... #5: Think about objections to each item on the list.More items...•Feb 4, 2020

How do I organize my discovery documents?

Here are five simple tips to keep your discovery organized and moving.Create a Realistic Schedule and Stick to It. First, you must create a realistic timeline for discovery. ... Start Discovery as Soon As Possible. ... Date, Source, and Stamp Each Delivery of Documents. ... Prepare Privilege Log. ... Understand the New Federal Rules.Aug 31, 2016

How do you organize a legal binder?

Assembling Your Legal Binders Strong, clearly-written tabs for each divider can help in quickly locating information. For even better visual organization, consider colored index tabs. Dividers with pockets could provide both additional storage and a place for quickly storing new paperwork before filing it.Oct 20, 2017

How do I choose and prepare exhibits?

0:514:56How Do I Choose and Prepare Exhibits? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut they can help you decide which exhibits are really helpful to your case and they can also helpMoreBut they can help you decide which exhibits are really helpful to your case and they can also help you explain the exhibit in court. Third mark each item or pile of documents with an exhibit sticker.

How do paralegals prepare for trials?

Pay attention to details.Thoroughly review all documents related to the case that your office prepares or receives.Be diligent about cite checking.Keep track of court appearance dates.Manage exhibits and documents needed for trial.Take careful notes when talking to clients or witnesses.More items...•Oct 2, 2018

How do I organize my discovery responses?

IMPORTANT TIPSOrganize documents. Organize according to the demand number. ... Don't duplicate documents. If you're providing three years of bank statements in response to one demand, and the same documents contain information responsive to another demand, state so. ... Comply with the due date. ... Communicate. ... Do a complete job.Oct 29, 2020

How do legal assistants stay organized?

4 Steps to Better Organization for ParalegalsMake Lists and Prioritize. List-making is one of the most basic and useful skills of an organized person. ... Use a Calendar. Everything should be noted on a calendar. ... Keep a Clean and Orderly Desk. ... File Documents.Oct 2, 2013

What goes in a trial binder?

Trial Binder to the RescueSECTION I: Reference.SECTION II: Pleadings, Discovery, and Pretrial.SECTION III: Pending Motions.SECTION IV: Voir Dire.SECTION V: Opening Statement.SECTION VI: Outline of Order of Proof.SECTION VII: Witness Examination.SECTION VIII: Exhibits.More items...•Jul 11, 2019

What is a binder in law?

A written document that records the essential provisions of a contract of insurance and temporarily protects the insured until an insurance company has investigated the risks to be covered, or until a formal policy is issued.

How do you label an exhibit?

Six Tips for Writing Effective Exhibit LabelsKeep Your Visitors in Mind. Writing with your audience in mind is crucial to creating clear and concise exhibit labels. ... Keep the Text Short & Simple. ... Keep Your Writing Active. ... Don't be Boring. ... Keep it Casual & Conversational. ... Bring Objects to Life.

How do you exhibit a document?

In a civil suit, the documents can be exhibited in different forms. It can be exhibited mainly in three ways. In the first case, the opposite part will exhibit the document. The second method is that the document will be filled along with the oral evidence of any of the witness.Jul 3, 2017

What does limine mean in court?

at the beginningLegal Definition of in limine (Entry 1 of 2) : at the beginning : as a preliminary matter specifically : before a particular procedure or proceeding takes place.

Do you need to include a birth certificate in a will?

Further, if you designate a trustee or representative or if you designate a temporary or permanent guardian for your children in your will, you must include their name, address, and other contact information.

Do you need a list of debts to provide an attorney?

In addition to providing a detailed list of assets in a manner that allows them to be easily identified and located, an individual must provide their attorney with a list of debts. Debts that you should provide documentation of include, but are not limited to, the following:

Can you name a trustee before a guardian?

You cannot legally obligate anyone to serve as your representative to handle the estate if they don' t want to.

How to start a relationship with an attorney?

After you decide on which attorney to hire, you’ll sign a fee agreement and officially begin your relationship with your lawyer. The first meeting with an attorney usually involves the exchange of a lot of information. You will spend a good deal of time explaining to the attorney the details of your legal issue and answering his or her questions. He or she will spend a good amount of time discussion and laying out a plan. If you think you might get nervous or forget something, you could practice this conversation with a friend, or you could write down what you want to say.

What to talk about at a lawyer consultation?

At the consultation, be prepared to talk about your case. The lawyer may not too many details of your case before you sign a fee agreement, but you should be prepared just in case.

What does a probate lawyer want to know?

In addition to a general understanding of your legal needs, the lawyer may want to know who else is involved with the case and their relationship to you. For example, in some probate matters, a client visits the lawyer to seek help for his or her parents or siblings.

What to do if a lawyer doesn't ask for documentation?

Even if a lawyer doesn't ask for documentation beforehand, it's still a good idea to bring a copy of all relevant documents to the meeting. Spend some time thinking about what you may have on hand. Try to organize the documents in a logical manner before you meet with the lawyer.

How to save money on legal fees?

To save money on legal fees, take the time to select a good lawyer, prepare well for your first meeting, and do everything you can to reduce the time that lawyer will have to spend on your case . Even eliminating one email exchange could save you hundreds of dollars.

What happens at your first meeting with an attorney?

The first meeting with an attorney usually involves the exchange of a lot of information.

Do lawyers charge for consultations?

Attorney consultations vary, depending on the attorney’s preferences. Some lawyers charge for a consultation, others don’t. Some will only hold consultations over the phone, but some will let you come in (this is best, so that you can get a better feel for the attorney).

What to do if your lawyer doesn't sign your engagement letter?

If the engagement letter doesn’t state that, then don’t sign. Instead, call up the lawyer and ask that they include that condition in the engagement letter.

What does a lawyer charge for?

For example, a lawyer will typically charge for photocopying, mailing, and court reporters. If you want an itemized bill, then you should ask your lawyer for one.

How long does it take for a lawyer to get an itemized bill?

The lawyer should get it to you within 10 days. An itemized bill should also contain a description of the work performed.

How to ask for an itemized bill?

1. Ask about itemized bills during your consultation. Before hiring an attorney, you should schedule a consultation. At the consultation, you can ask a variety of questions, including about fees. You should ask whether the lawyer will provide you with an itemized bill and whether it will increase your costs.

How much does a lawyer charge per hour?

Double check to make sure the amount you are charged is accurate. For example, the lawyer might charge $300 an hour. If they performed a half hour of work, then you should be charged $150.

What should I compare my engagement letter to?

You should compare the charges to what you authorized in the engagement letter. For example, the engagement letter probably gave the lawyer permission to charge you for photocopying and filing fees to file court documents. If you see those expenses listed on your bill, then you should realize you agreed to pay them.

How many associates should be assigned to a divorce case?

See how many people are working on your case. If you are going through a simple divorce, for example, then there shouldn’t be three or four associates assigned to the case.

What to know before meeting with a lawyer?

Before you get too far into a meeting or conversation, the lawyer will want to know about any possible conflicts of interest that might prevent him or her from ethically representing you.

What do lawyers want to see?

In addition to learning about you and hearing your narrative, your lawyer will also want to see documents and evidence, both for informational purposes and to help assess the strength of your case. Obviously, the nature of the evidence will vary dramatically from one type of case to another. As you prepare to meet with your lawyer, try ...

What are the goals of a lawyer?

Typical goals might include: review and provide comments on a contract or legal document. draft a will.

What to include in a dispute narrative?

Some important details to include in that narrative include: names of the key players in your dispute. date the dispute or problem began. type of the dispute (harassment, contract, divorce) key events of your dispute, including a "who, what, where, when and why" narrative, and. current status of your dispute.

What documents are used to dispute a contract?

contracts (such as employment agreements , leases, promissory notes, and the like) financial documents (for example, if you'll be drafting a will or starting a company) correspondence (letters, emails, or text messages between you and the other party or otherwise relevant to your dispute)

How to respond to a legal complaint?

respond to a legal complaint, lawsuit, or threatening letter. research whether you have a meritorious legal claim against another person or entity. draft a legal complaint or demand letter to another person or entity, or. negotiate a lease, contract, or other agreement.

Why is it important to prepare for a first consultation?

In short, preparation for your first consultation meeting is critical. Strong preparation will save time and money. It will also ensure that all of your questions are answered, and that your attorney has all the information needed in order to effectively represent you.

What information do you need to make a will?

When making your will, you may have to do some prep work to collect specific information. For example, depending on your circumstances, you may need the full names (and possibly the addresses) of your children, beneficiaries, executors, and guardians.

Who handles your estate?

Choose an executor to handle your estate. You can use your will to name an executor, who will carry out the terms of the will. The executor oversees the probate process, the distribution of your assets, and the payment of your debts and taxes.

How to make a will?

Steps to Make a Will: Decide what property to include in your will. Decide who will inherit your property. Choose an executor to handle your estate. Choose a guardian for your children. Choose someone to manage children's property. Make your will. Sign your will in front of witnesses. Store your will safely.

How to make a will for a married couple?

Decide what property to include in your will. To get started, list your significant assets. Then decide which items should (or must) be left by other methods, outside your will. Keep in mind that if you're married, each spouse makes a separate will.

What to do if you leave property to a child?

If you leave property to children or young adults, you should choose an adult to manage whatever they inherit. To give that person authority over the child's inheritance, you can make him or her a property guardian, a property custodian under a law called the UTMA, or a trustee.

Do you need to have a will notarized?

No, to make your will valid, you do not need to have it notarized. You do need to have two witnesses sign it, however. In many states, there is also an option to make your will " self-proving ," which does require a notarization.

Do you need to notarize a self-proving affidavit?

If you're using a document called a "self-proving affidavit" with your will (to make things simpler when the will goes through probate court after your death), your signature must be notarized as well. Full instructions are included with Nolo's Quicken WillMaker software.