how to prepare for a consultation with a custody lawyer

To prepare for your custody consultation you should write a detailed chronological history of all of the things that have occurred since your children were born as well as important information about yourself and your co-parent, good and bad, that might be evidence.

Full Answer

How do I prepare for a consultation with a lawyer?

Give the lawyer the copies at the beginning of the initial consultation. Prudent attorneys do not accept original documents, and you do not want to waste precious time or money waiting while the attorney makes copies. So fax the documents to the law office before the meeting.

How much do lawyers charge for initial consultation?

Lawyers often charge hourly, even for an initial consultation, so it is crucial to be efficient. What should you do to prepare for that first meeting with your lawyer?

What happens during an initial consultation?

All attorneys meet with prospective clients in what is called an initial consultation. This is a first meeting between you and the lawyer to help you both decide whether you want to work together in an attorney-client relationship.

How do I pay for my consultation?

If you plan to pay for the initial consultation with cash, go to a bank or ATM and withdraw the money the day before your appointment, if possible. Otherwise, do not forget your checkbook, debit card, or credit card.

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Gathering Documents to Show to a Child Custody Attorney

The child custody attorneys will find it helpful if you bring several documents with you, such as:

Questions to Ask

It's helpful to collect your thoughts before you head out to your first initial consultation with a child custody attorney. Write them down on paper and bring them with you. You don't want to forget to ask something. Also bring some writing material so that you can jot down the answers.

Your Ideal Child Custody Lawyer

It is a worthwhile practice to consider what qualities your ideal child custody lawyer would have. That way, you'll recognize the right one when you meet. Here are some qualities to consider:

What is child custody case?

Often times child custody cases are linked to child support cases. If that is true for you, it helps to bring financial documents that show any expenses related to your child. This can be tuition bills for private school, day care or summer camp. 4. “Incriminating” Evidence.

Why do clients need a list of questions?

A list of questions. A client should use the consultation as a time to get the most information they can and share the most they can before they initiate the legal process. Making a list of questions can help keep you organized during what can sometimes be a stressful meeting.

What to do if you have no court papers?

Even if you have no court papers yet, you may have on hand or could readily obtain documents that could be helpful.

How to share documents with a lawyer?

Make a set of copies of everything that you plan to share with the lawyer. Give the lawyer the copies at the beginning of the initial consultation. Prudent attorneys do not accept original documents, and you do not want to waste precious time or money waiting while the attorney makes copies. So fax the documents to the law office before the meeting.

What is the first meeting between a lawyer and a prospective client?

All attorneys meet with prospective clients in what is called an initial consultation. This is a first meeting between you and the lawyer to help you both decide whether you want to work together in an attorney-client relationship. At this point, you are both checking each other out, and getting information and advice that can help you with your case regardless of whether you hire that lawyer or any other one.

Why do attorneys keep their information confidential?

Remember, the attorney will keep this information confidential, unless required to share it with a court because it is relevant to the legal matter or with law enforcement for a public-safety reason. You may think the information is too trivial or embarrassing to mention, but it may well be extremely important, so share it.

Can I meet with an attorney alone?

It is usually in your best interest to meet with the attorney alone, even if the other person is paying for the appointment. Your friend (s) or loved one (s) can wait in the lobby. To avoid interruptions, be sure to turn off all cell phones or other electronic devices just before your appointment.

How long is a custody consultation?

Child custody consultations are usually not free, but neither are custody cases. Most consultations are for an hour, and often much of the time is spent on the lawyer gathering information about your situation, which is necessary before the lawyer can give you any legal advice.

What to bring to a divorce consultation?

In addition to the chronological history, bring to your consultation copies of: all temporary or permanent custody / visitation court orders (if any), your divorce judgment, your separation agreement, all domestic violence petitions and orders, any pending Complaints (Petitions), Motions, and Counterclaims, and any reports, evaluations and other written documents you think are important (or example: CPS, law enforcement, psychological, medical, developmental). Do not give your lawyer your only copies of documents. Either keep a hard copy or at least a scanned copy of everything. Be organized. It is a good idea to keep a list of the documents you give to your lawyer. You should also bring a list of questions you have for the lawyer and a writing pad. Take notes during the consultation or immediately afterwards.

What happens if you don't consult a lawyer?

If they don’t, it will help your lawyer and free up more time to discuss strategy and legal advice, if you come prepared for the consultation with written information that the lawyer can read, which is far quicker than asking questions and taking notes.

Is it better to settle custody disputes?

It is far better for your children and your peace of mind that you do. Custody disputes that are settled by consent, without fighting about it in court , make for better co-parenting relationships in the future. However, if you are sued for custody or feel that you have to file a custody lawsuit to enforce your custodial or visitation rights, ...

Why is it important to consult with a family law attorney?

It is important to prepare for a consultation with a family law attorney in order to make the most out of the time with the attorney. Family law attorneys handle many issues including: Spousal support, or alimony. Family law includes the rules, regulations, and court procedures involving the family unit. It is common for family law cases ...

Why do courts prefer to appoint a guardian?

A court prefers to appoint a guardian who has ties to the ward because great responsibility is involved. A family law attorney can assist an individual who wishes to become a guardian and/or protect the rights of a ward. Paternity refers to a legal process where the biological father of a child is determined.

What is a family law attorney?

A family law attorney can help with any separation issues an individual may have. A divorce is the legal end of a marriage. Laws regarding divorce vary by state but all divorces are finalized by a court. Divorces can be a straight forward agreement or a complex case involving children.

What is paternity in law?

Paternity refers to a legal process where the biological father of a child is determined. If a couple is married, paternity is usually determined when the father signs the birth certificate. If a baby is born to an unwed mother, a court order may be required to establish paternity.

What is child support?

Child support is financial support provided by a non-custodial parent to the custodial parent. A child support agreement can be entered into voluntarily by the parties or can be court-ordered. Child support is intended for the support and care of the child and/or children.

How to protect your rights in a family law case?

It is essential to protect your rights in any family law matter. Do: Be honest with your attorney and provide all requested information. Sometimes, it can feel like you must turn over your entire life, but this is only so your attorney can be prepared for any issues in your case.

What is family law?

Family law includes the rules, regulations, and court procedures involving the family unit. It is common for family law cases to be difficult, personal, and emotional. A family law attorney will help a client prepare for any type of case involving the family unit. The types of preparations that will be required will depend on the type ...

Why is it important to prepare for a first consultation?

In short, preparation for your first consultation meeting is critical. Strong preparation will save time and money. It will also ensure that all of your questions are answered, and that your attorney has all the information needed in order to effectively represent you.

What to know before meeting with a lawyer?

Before you get too far into a meeting or conversation, the lawyer will want to know about any possible conflicts of interest that might prevent him or her from ethically representing you.

What do lawyers want to see?

In addition to learning about you and hearing your narrative, your lawyer will also want to see documents and evidence, both for informational purposes and to help assess the strength of your case. Obviously, the nature of the evidence will vary dramatically from one type of case to another. As you prepare to meet with your lawyer, try ...

What are the goals of a lawyer?

Typical goals might include: review and provide comments on a contract or legal document. draft a will.

What documents are used to dispute a contract?

contracts (such as employment agreements , leases, promissory notes, and the like) financial documents (for example, if you'll be drafting a will or starting a company) correspondence (letters, emails, or text messages between you and the other party or otherwise relevant to your dispute)

How to respond to a legal complaint?

respond to a legal complaint, lawsuit, or threatening letter. research whether you have a meritorious legal claim against another person or entity. draft a legal complaint or demand letter to another person or entity, or. negotiate a lease, contract, or other agreement.

What to include in a dispute narrative?

Some important details to include in that narrative include: names of the key players in your dispute. date the dispute or problem began. type of the dispute (harassment, contract, divorce) key events of your dispute, including a "who, what, where, when and why" narrative, and. current status of your dispute.

What Can I expect at My Divorce Consultation?

In general, meeting with a divorce lawyer will include learning about the details of your specific situation, explaining the divorce, custody and support law and processes in Pennsylvania, and discussing options for moving forward to help you best prepare for divorce, the divorce process and your life after the divorce.

Should I Tell My Divorce Lawyer Everything?

It is critically important that you are forthright and open with your attorney. In order for your attorney to provide you with the best possible representation, full disclosure is required. Conversations between you and the attorney are confidential.

Questions A Divorce Lawyer Will Ask at the First Meeting

There are many questions a lawyer will ask during your initial consultation to gain an understanding of your case. A lawyer may provide you with a divorce checklist in advance of your first meeting so that you can organize your information and be most prepared. Some of the lawyer’s questions will be:

How to Find a Good Lawyer?

In hiring a lawyer to represent you, you should find a lawyer with a strong reputation who regularly practices in the county in which your case will be heard. Many times people want to seek out the most aggressive lawyer they can find but that doesn’t always yield the best result.