Making the most of your initial consultation.
Meeting with an attorney for the first time can be easily overwheliming, especially when dealing with important issues about your family, your children and your finances. Being productive and efficient with your time in the initial consultation is key to identifying your needs, setting clear expectations, and stating the legal process and relationship on the right foot. Here are some tips to make the most of this important first meeting – the Consultation:
- Prepare your documents
In the legal world, words and timing are two critical pieces to a legal claim. Be sure to bring any legal or financial documents that are relevant to your case or legal issues, such as contracts and prior court paperwork. This information helps your attorney in getting a quick understanding of the situation and helps in formulating a plan for future steps. Trust me, the attorney has read court and financial documents before and they can zero in on key information.
- Be Honest and Open
Even if you think there is something that not “that important” – or more importantly, if you think something hurts your case – you need to tell your attorney ASAP. One of the worst things you can do is leave out information and your attorney find out about “it” too late in the process to fix or from the opposing side. Holding this information too close to your chest will prevent your attorney from being able to address any potential issues that arise. Unfortunately, when clients are not completely open and honest, negative repercussions are sure to follow.
- Outline your goals and concerns.
Think about and discuss what you hope to achieve. Detail any specific questions or concerns that you have. Being upfront with your attorney about these items helps your attorney share the information that is most relevant to you and helps them understand what “success” looks like for you.
- Ask questions. Do not hesitate to ask questions! The relationship between you and your attorney is a voluntary relationship. It is vital that both you and your attorney have questions addressed in an effective and efficient many so that both of you can be on the same page as you continue forward.
- Discuss next steps. Generally, before wrapping up the Consultation or any meeting, an attorney will provide a roadmap on next steps. However, you may be confused about all of the information that was just expressed, or maybe you are not clear on the next steps despite the attorney’s attempts at describing them. Therefore, before wrapping up and leaving the Consultation, make sure to discuss with clarity the action plan. You want to retain a clear understanding of what moving forward looks like.
Experiencing anything for the first time naturally causes anxiety. Adding in an emotionally charged topic such as your family and the law understandably increases that anxiety. Taking these steps can help make a Consultation with your family law attorney more productive and reduce the anxiety so that your path forward is starts with a confident step in the right direction.
If you or somebody you know is navigating a family law matter and wants to schedule a consultation with an attorney, our team at Modern Legal is here to help.
Please note: these educational materials are based on North Carolina law where my legal practice is based. While the insights may have wide applicability, readers should consult with an attorney regarding the specific laws in their state or country.
Written by: Tiffany A. Byrd
Family is at the heart of everything I do, both personally and professionally. As a Family Law Attorney, I combine my passion for helping others with my unique journey—from growing up as the eldest child in a single-parent household to becoming the first attorney in my family. My experiences shaped my dedication to advocating for families in their most critical moments. Whether you’re building, protecting, or securing your family’s future, I’m here to help you find meaningful resolutions tailored to your needs.
