When potential clients call a family law attorney, the first step is to schedule an initial consultation. The content of the consultation will vary, but the client should have questions prepared.
During the initial consultation, an attorney will ask detailed questions and require thorough, honest answers. This is to ensure that an attorney can properly represent you in your case.
Family law attorneys are not only legal professionals, but they also serve as counselors and advocates for individuals and families through some of the most challenging and emotional periods of their lives. Because of this, it is important to choose an attorney who you feel comfortable with and trust. Your initial consultation is an important opportunity to assess the attorney’s expertise and communication style.
An effective way to prepare for your initial consultation is to create a timeline that outlines all major events that have occurred in your marriage/relationship. This will help you prioritize what should be discussed, and it will ensure that you do not leave any important details behind.
During your initial consultation, you should also bring any court-paperwork, such as current orders, notices of hearings or trials, and pleadings that have been filed by the other party or against you. Additionally, it is a good idea to bring the last 3 paystubs for both you and your spouse to help your attorney gain a better picture of your financial status. Providing these documents at the beginning of your consultation will save you time and money in having to make copies later on.
A lawyer will be able to provide legal advice based on the information you present. It is important to bring all relevant documents that are related to your case, such as the following:
Tax Returns (with attachments) – this will help your attorney get a clear understanding of your financial situation. In many cases, a family solicitor will have to establish assets and debts in order to advise you on issues like equitable distribution or child support.
Bank / Investment Account Statements – these will give your attorney a clear picture of your finances and how they may be affected by a separation or divorce. In many cases, the division of assets and debts will be a crucial factor in your case’s outcome.
If you have any other court documents, such as pleadings or letters that were received from the opposing side, please bring these with you. This will help your attorney fully assess your case and ensure they are well-informed to provide sound advice. Also, it is helpful to write down your questions or concerns prior to your consultation.
Depending on your case, the documents you will need to bring to your initial consultation may vary. However, there are a few general documents that every prospective client should try to bring with them.
Documentation of your current income, including pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements. This information will help a family solicitor to get a better understanding of your financial situation. It will also give them a good idea of any assets you and your spouse may have, as well as how much debt you might have.
Credit card statements and other documentation of your (and your spouse’s) spending habits. This is important, because it can shed light on things like marital debt and extracurricular activities.
Mortgage statement and/or copy of deed. Bringing these documents can help your attorney determine what may be a fair share of your joint assets.
Calendars and/or journals, if you have been keeping them. These can jog your memory about events and timelines, so you do not forget to tell your attorney any relevant facts. Also consider bringing any incriminating evidence you may have, such as photographs, videos, texts, emails, or police reports.
Many potential clients want to bring a friend or relative for support and guidance at the initial consultation. While this is perfectly understandable, it can cause problems when it comes to attorney-client confidentiality. This is because the presence of a third party dissolves attorney-client privilege and your friend may be subpoenaed to testify about what you have discussed with your attorney.
Additionally, family solicitors are able to provide the best legal advice when they have all of the facts about your case and you can discuss them without interruption. It is important that you choose the person you bring to your appointment wisely.
For example, if your aunt asks to be represented by you in a lawsuit against Ford Motor Company, you should explain that it would be a conflict of interest since your firm is in the business of representing auto manufacturers. You might even refer her to some resources that explain this issue in more detail. It is best not to take this risk unless you have a good reason to do so.
An initial consultation is an opportunity to speak with a family lawyer about your situation. Depending on the complexity of your case, this can be an opportunity for you to ask all of your questions, and for the attorney to listen to the details and provide advice about how to move forward with your separation or divorce.
Before your appointment, it’s a good idea to prepare any documentation or information that you may want to bring with you. This can include any documents related to the breakdown of your relationship and any ongoing court proceedings, such as summons, pleadings (complaints, petitions or motions) and any prior court orders.
It’s also important to have an open mind and not hold any preconceived notions about how things will work out in your particular case. It is highly individualized and dependent upon the specific facts of each individual situation, so what happens in one case is not necessarily indicative of what will happen in another. This is especially true in family law. The right attorney can be a great ally in navigating these legal waters and supporting you through what is often an extremely difficult time.
