Academy of Independent Learners

Men come to a family law attorney at all stages of a separation. Perhaps you have already been served with divorce papers and are facing an order to show cause, or you are looking for some immediate relief from a domestic violence situation against you or your children, or you are just considering your options and want to know your legal rights. In each of these situations, it is very important to consult with a divorce attorney. However, hiring an attorney can be both expensive and daunting. Each firm practices it own form of advocacy and has its own rates and reputation. To help you decide if this firm is for you and to help your lawyer give you the best advice, you should follow these three tips at your first meeting.

1. Talk Candidly with your Attorney
During your first meeting with a family law attorney, you should talk candidly with him. I often see clients who have a hard time talking about their personal problems, but remember, as a family law attorney, I have heard just about everything that can go wrong in a marriage. Don’t be afraid to tell the whole story, including any facts that go against you, or mistakes that you have made. Your conversation with you attorney is confidential, even if you do not end up hiring him. With the full story, the lawyer is in a better position to tell you the best course of action.

2. Express your goals and desires with your attorney.
It is also important to express your goals. Why did you come meet with the family law attorney? Do you fit in any of the above categories? Are you just trying to get a picture of your legal rights, or are you interested in starting divorce proceedings today? Some people want an attorney who will be a no-holds-barred advocate, while others would rather have a one who will show some restraint in representation. By communicating your desires about how the lawyer will represent you, you can get a feel for the attorney’s style and get a better understanding for how he works.

3. Be prepared for the meeting.
Lawyers love to charge for their time and it add up fast. The more that you have prepared the less time you will have pay for your lawyer to prepare. When you come to your meeting, be prepared with some information about matters of property, liabilities, support and child custody. Be prepared to answer questions about you and your spouse’s financial status, banks accounts, and how you filed your taxes. If you have any documents like tax returns, bank statements, mortgage statements, or lease agreements, you should bring them to the meeting for ready reference. If you have all the information in order, then should you decide to hire the attorney, you can have the papers copied the same day. Similarly, if your spouse has already started divorce proceedings, bring any legal documents that you have received.