How to Prepare for a Consultation with a Family Law Attorney

Whether you’re considering filing for a divorce or you’ve already begun the process, a family lawyer can help you in many ways. We can protect your rights, give you advice on the entire divorce process, and represent you in court.

When preparing for your initial consultation, you may be wondering what to bring with you. When it comes to a consultation with a family lawyer, the more information, the better. Your attorney will be better able to advise you on your case if he or she has all the pertinent information regarding your case.

The Basics

Your family attorney will need the following basic pieces of information in your initial consultation:

Details about you
Information on your spouse, including where he or she works
Important aspects of your relationship, including details about the personalities and behaviors of you and your spouse
Information on any domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health issues pertinent to your case
Whether there are children involved

Some Documents to Bring with You

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:

Pay stubs
Assets
Tax returns
Self-employment documents
Bank statements
Prenuptial agreements

Have Your Questions Ready

It’s easy to get sidetracked during a conversation and forget to ask the questions that are most important to you. If you have a list with you, you’ll be able to verify that all your questions have been answered. Write them down now. Here’s an idea of what you should ask your attorney during the consultation:

How long will it take to resolve my case?
Should I consider mediation?
Based on what you know about my case, how do you think a judge will rule?
How much do your services cost?
How long have you practiced family law?
How long do you take to return phone calls?

Come Ready to Share All the Info

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.

For example, if domestic violence was involved and you have proof, you should bring your evidence to the initial consultation. Other types of information that could help your case are listed below:

Evidence of family violence
Evidence of substance abuse or mental health issues
Proof your spouse was trying to hide financial information from you
Criminal history information
Evidence a spouse was cheating
Proof that a spouse is an unfit parent

Schedule a Consultation with a Family Lawyer

You’re now prepared to discuss your family law case with an attorney. 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.