Preparing to Meet Your Attorney for the First Time
It can be daunting to think of everything you want to cover during your first meeting with your attorney. Worrying that you won’t remember everything you want to say when you meet your attorney for the first time is normal; however preparing for the meeting with these useful steps can help both you and your attorney!
Ask the attorney what they want you to bring or send in advance - each attorney may have specific preferences or lists. If not, we suggest the past two years of tax returns, your two most recent paystubs, and the most recent statement for each account you have including assets and debts.
If your case has already been filed or is pending in court, collect the pleadings, orders and discovery in an organized manner.
Complete any initial intake form or questionnaire that the attorney sends, and return in advance of the meeting.
Type out a general timeline or series of events, with back up documents in support of assertions.
Be on time to your initial meeting and bring a folder with your notes and other documents. Lawyers usually have court in the morning and many meetings and calls scheduled throughout the day, so it is important to be punctual so that you can utilize your entire meeting time.
Listen and take notes while your lawyer is talking. It can be hard to remember everything that was said, especially when legal terms are new and unfamiliar. Write things down and do not be afraid to ask questions about the process while you have your lawyers full attention.
At The Law Office of Erin M. Wilson LLC we have specific intake forms for each area of family law needs. For example, divorces with and without children, post-decree cases, parentage (the visitation, parenting time, and financial aspects of co-parents who were never married), prenuptial agreements and when Erin is appointed as a child representative/GAL or parenting coordinator. Filling out and returning the intake form before your initial meeting with Erin is extremely helpful to provide background information, key details and specific information about the case and your goals and concerns. Taking the first steps to getting a divorce are emotional and can be chaotic. However, taking time to prepare in advance helps. The Law Office of Erin M. Wilson is here to assist you in your family law needs and analyze the situation providing candid and honest advice.
NOTICE: This blog is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as providing legal advice. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have regarding this blog post.