what to expect at a consulation with family law attorney

by Mrs. Eveline McKenzie 8 min read

Next on our list of what to expect at a consultation with a family law attorney is documentation. There may be important documents your attorney will need to review as part of your first meeting. This may include tax returns, any pre- or post-nuptial agreements, bank and credit card statements and recent pay stubs.

The consultation is an opportunity for you to tell your story, ask questions, learn about the legal process, and develop a game plan or strategy to resolve the issues in your case. During the consultation, the attorney will listen to the facts of your case and give you advice on the best way to approach each issue.

Full Answer

What should I expect during a consultation with a family lawyer?

Aug 04, 2017 · At a consultation, you and the attorney will discuss a range of issues, some of which may be more important than others. It is important to know what to expect when you have your family law consultation. By knowing in advance what to expect, you will be able to prepare ahead of time. This way you can have any necessary information at your fingertips during your …

How do I get an attorney consultation?

The family law attorney must recognize that, for the individual client, the initial consultation is not just an opportunity to discuss “another case,” but is often a confusing, anxious and intimidating conversation which the client wishes she didn’t have to have.

How do I choose the best family lawyer for my case?

May 16, 2018 · A family law consultation usually lasts roughly an hour, and can take place either over the phone or in-person, whichever is most convenient for you. While it is important that you come prepared with a list of questions regarding your case, most attorneys will also provide you with the ability to call and ask any further questions that may arise.

What information will my family attorney need to get started?

Dec 06, 2016 · During your consultation, you will have the undivided attention of your attorney to give them as many details about your case as possible. This serves two purposes: it allows your lawyer to analyze your case and provide you with the best possible individually-tailored advice, and it helps both of you determine if you wish to work together.

What do lawyers do in a consultation?

The consultation is about getting a feel for if the lawyer is the right one for you. The lawyer is also trying to figure out if you will make a good client or if you will be in trouble. A lot of clients come to law firms with issues, and the lawyer wants to make sure the clie3nt doesn't cause drama at the law firm.Jun 21, 2019

How do I prepare my first consultation with a lawyer?

Prepare For Your ConsultationBring all documents. Make copies of all the documents you have collected regarding your case and give these copies to your lawyer.Have notes ready. ... Dress for success. ... Be honest. ... Talk about costs. ... Ask your lawyer questions. ... Understand all documents you sign. ... Keep your own files.More items...

What questions should I ask my consultation lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•Jan 29, 2017

What should I wear to a lawyer consultation?

The standard attire for meeting with you lawyer should be business casual. Wear dress pants, a nice shirt or top. Women should wear a conservative dress or skirt. ... Once your consultation begins, let your attorney guide the meeting.Sep 4, 2019

What is an initial consultation?

An Initial consultation is a 90 minute consultation for a new client who would like to meet with a psychologist to discuss current issues and/or concerns and talk about strategies and goals for therapy and/or a treatment plan.

How can I communicate with my lawyer?

Stay informed about your case.Take notes if you talk to your lawyer in person or over the telephone. Store your notes in the same place. ... Always review your notes before contacting your attorney. The answer to your question may be in your notes.Your lawyer should also send you copies of documents filed in your case.

Why would a good lawyer not tell a client how their case will come out at the initial consultation?

Why would a good lawyer not tell a client how their case will come out at the initial consultation? ... A good lawyer will not guarantee the outcome of any case. Someone who guarantees the outcome of a case at the outset is either mistaken or a liar.

How do you interview a family lawyer?

Family Lawyer Interview Questions:How do you ensure a mediation between family members remains calm? ... How do you keep your clients up-to-date on their cases? ... Can you describe your hardest family law case? ... What are the most important factors of a will? ... What is your method for prioritizing cases?

What is the process of hiring a lawyer?

You should be comfortable with your advocate and interview them before hiring them helps you determine that. You should ask about the fees and payment procedure, ask who will do the work, ask about his/her qualifications, etc. and accordingly make your decision.Jun 2, 2018

Can u wear sandals to court?

Footwear not to ever wear in court: Flip-flop sandals. Athletic shoes. High-heel spikes. Open-toed shoes.Sep 6, 2021

What is women's business casual?

In general, business casual for women includes a skirt or slacks, a blouse, a blazer and an appropriate heel or flat for the office. ... Skirts or slacks. Staple pieces include a few pairs of dress slacks and an assortment of knee-length pencil skirts.Dec 10, 2018

Your initial family law consultation may be the most important meeting of your entire case

Whenever you are experiencing a family law issue, you will likely wish to hire an experienced family law attorney. You will not be short of options, so how do you choose which one is right for you? You will want to make sure you make the correct choice, knowing how much of your future you’re going to be entrusting to them.

Your Initial Family Law Consultation: Deciding Whether to Work Together – or Not

The latter point is extremely important. If you feel as though the attorney you are meeting with may not have your best interests at heart or you don’t necessarily feel comfortable with them in any way during your family law consultation, you should choose to move on and pursue other options.

What documents do I need to file for divorce?

If possible, go ahead and bring in some of the paperwork you will need to complete for your divorce anyway, such as the Schedule of Assets and Debts form and the Income and Expense Declaration form. Complete these forms as fully and accurately as possible. You can also bring in financial information, such as: 1 Pay stubs 2 Assets 3 Tax returns 4 Self-employment documents 5 Bank statements 6 Prenuptial agreements

Why is divorce not always about one spouse?

Not every divorce is brought about because one spouse was being horrible to the other. Sometimes, couples just go their separate ways. However, in some divorces, one spouse’s behavior could significantly affect the divorce process, alimony, and child custody issues.

How to contact Laurence Brock?

Set up your free, confidential case discussion with a family lawyer at the Law Office of Laurence J. Brock. Call us at 909-466-7661 or fill out the online contact form at the bottom of the page to get started.

Why do lawyers offer free consultations?

Most lawyers offer a free consultation so that you have a chance to determine if he or she is the right person for you. Going to the first meeting with some simple questions can help you ensure you find the right person for the legal help you need. You will not get much legal advice at this consult since it is not meant to resolve your legal ...

What to ask a lawyer about a case?

An important question to ask a lawyer is what the strategy for your case will be and the outcome the lawyer expects. You’ll want to get details on what kind of procedures to expect. Ask how long it will take for the entire case to be resolved. Discuss the legal strategies that will be used. Find out if your attorney will attempt to settle and if mediation or arbitration are options. Think about the answers and if you are comfortable with them. Maybe you want to avoid a trial at all costs but your attorney really wants to just go to trial, or perhaps you have no intention of settling and want your day in court. It is important that your lawyer’s strategy lines up with your needs.

Why is it important to meet with a small business attorney?

Meeting with a small business attorney is an important way to get your business off to a good start and minimize future risks. Here are questions to ask at your first meeting.

What is a meeting with a lawyer?

Meeting with a lawyer for an initial consultation is generally not a chance to ask legal questions that are in depth, but is instead an opportunity to get a sense as to whether this lawyer is the right one to handle your case. Use this meeting to help you decide which lawyer will be the best one for your case.

What is the purpose of a free consultation?

The purpose of a free consultation is not to obtain specific legal advice in the consultation, but rather to allow you to determine whether you would like to hire the attorney and to allow the attorney to determine whether he or she can help you achieve your legal goals.

Do attorneys give free consultations?

Many attorneys offer both free consultations and paid consultations, depending on what you are trying to accomplish. The key to understanding the difference, is that generally attorneys will not give legal advice without being first hired by the client.

What is retainer in a case?

A retainer is basically a down payment for the attorney’s work.

What is retainer in a trust account?

A retainer is basically a down payment for the attorney’s work. It is kept in a trust account and remains your money and refundable until the attorney earns it. This is a great time to ask the attorney any questions that you have, including questions about his or her experience with cases like yours.

What is flat fee billing?

Some types of cases can involve a combination of all three billing methods. The flat fee method of billing is often applied in cases of uncontested divorce and in drafting of trust and estate documents such as wills , living wills, ...

What is contingency fee billing?

Personal injury lawyers often bill on a contingency fee basis. With contingency fee billing, the client pays little or no out-of-pocket costs. The attorney seeks an award of damages for the client. The attorney’s fee constitutes a pre-arranged percentage of that award. Contingency fee billing is prohibited in divorce matters.

What is hourly billing?

Hourly fee billing is often used in contested divorce cases where there are disputes regarding the marital assets, spousal and child support, child custody, and parenting time. Hourly fee billing is also used with civil litigation and criminal matters where there will be multiple court appearances, research and writing and motion practice.