how to prepare for lawyer consultation for custody

How to get ready for a child custody attorney consultation

• Prepare a chronological history. A child custody attorney needs a family history before deciding how to proceed. Thus,...
• Get a copy of the household budget. There are financial considerations when fighting for child custody. Parents should...
• Legal documents. Parents should bring various legal documents to the...

Full Answer

How do I prepare for a consultation with a lawyer?

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. Here are some good topics to focus your discussion:

What happens during an initial consultation?

Sep 17, 2021 · A local child custody lawyer can provide guidance as well as an unbiased opinion on custody and visitation options. A lawyer will help you focus on the most important issue, your child. They can discuss what outcomes will come from what choices and ensure your rights as a parent are protected in the process. A lawyer can also further explain the different types of …

What to do before meeting an attorney for the first time?

Jul 21, 2014 · What to Bring to A Child Custody Consultation. 1. 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 ... 2. Legal documents (court orders, marriage or birth certificates) Has there been a custody order ...

What should I bring to an initial consultation?

How to get ready for a child custody attorney consultation Prepare a chronological history. A child custody attorney needs a family history before deciding how to proceed. Thus,... Get a copy of the household budget. There are financial considerations when …

What do I bring to a consultation?

What Should you bring to your initial consultation?A pen and pad of paper or something to write down notes on any issues or questions that arise.Take the time before you meet with your attorney to write down a list of questions. ... An understanding of your financial situation. ... Bring any documents relevant to your case.Jan 7, 2021

What you should know before you talk to a lawyer?

10 Things You Should Know Before Contacting a LawyerHave Your Documents Ready. ... Research the Elements of Your Case. ... Don't Call if You Just Have a Question. ... You May Not Speak to a Lawyer Right Away. ... Do Not Ask the Legal Support Staff for Advice. ... Don't Provide Too Much Information. ... Answer the Lawyer's Specific Questions.More items...•Feb 6, 2020

What should I wear to meet a lawyer?

The standard attire for meeting with you lawyer should be business casual. Wear dress pants, a nice shirt or top. Women should wear a conservative dress or skirt. Nothing too revealing.Sep 4, 2019

How do you prepare to talk to a lawyer?

How to Prepare for a Lawyer ConsultationFinding the Right Attorney. Before you can have an attorney consultation, you need to find a lawyer who might be a good fit. ... Background Knowledge. ... The Legal Plan. ... Working with Your Attorney. ... Money Matters.

What should you not say to a lawyer?

9 Taboo Sayings You Should Never Tell Your LawyerI forgot I had an appointment. ... I didn't bring the documents related to my case. ... I have already done some of the work for you. ... My case will be easy money for you. ... I have already spoken with 5 other lawyers. ... Other lawyers don't have my best interests at heart.More items...•Mar 17, 2021

How often should I hear from my attorney?

You should never be afraid or feel like an intrusion to contact your attorney every three weeks or so, or more frequently if there is a lot going on with your health or other matters related to your legal case. There is of course a limit to how much you should be contacting or sharing.Jun 17, 2020

How do you know a bad lawyer?

Signs of a Bad LawyerBad Communicators. Communication is normal to have questions about your case. ... Not Upfront and Honest About Billing. Your attorney needs to make money, and billing for their services is how they earn a living. ... Not Confident. ... Unprofessional. ... Not Empathetic or Compassionate to Your Needs. ... Disrespectful.Aug 19, 2020

What do you wear to a legal appointment?

When attending court, you should wear formal or business attire. If you do not have formal or business clothing, you should wear your best and most respectful outfit. If possible, try to keep the clothing colours and tones neutral with blacks, greys, blues and whites.Nov 4, 2020

What is women's business casual?

In general, business casual for women includes a skirt or slacks, a blouse, a blazer and an appropriate heel or flat for the office. Business casual do's for women include: Skirts or slacks. Staple pieces include a few pairs of dress slacks and an assortment of knee-length pencil skirts.Dec 10, 2018

What are good questions to ask lawyers?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•Jan 29, 2017

How do I present my case to my lawyer?

Consider how much you are willing to do to organize your evidence, provide your witness contacts, write down a chronology (time line) of events, and generally sell yourself to your attorney, as well as the case, by appearing organized. Tell your story in the shortest possible way.Jun 15, 2013

What do you say when you call a lawyer?

0:261:20What To Say When You Call An Attorney - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipKnow kind of ballpark. Terms where you're coming from. And then you can elaborate on your specific.MoreKnow kind of ballpark. Terms where you're coming from. And then you can elaborate on your specific. Situation. And when you keep it simple in the beginning it really does make it easier.

How to determine if a parent is a parent?

To determine if a parent qualifies under this standard, the court will consider a variety of factors. These may include: 1 The parent’s ability to care for the child; 2 The relationship between the child and that parent; and/or 3 Which home would be better suited for the child’s adjustment and/or needs.

What is an attorney hearing?

An attorney will know what evidence is needed and what arguments need to be presented during court proceedings. Hearings are often held to decide child custody and visitation issues. If the parties are able to come to an agreement, an attorney will also be able to draft an agreement that includes the wishes of the parties.

How long does child custody last?

These issues will last until the child reaches the age of majority, so it may be many years. A local child custody lawyer can provide guidance as well as an unbiased opinion on custody and visitation options. A lawyer will help you focus on the most important issue, your child.

Is it difficult to get custody of a child?

It can also be extremely difficult for any children that are involved. It is essential to have the assistance of an experienced family law attorney to help with any issues involving child custody and/or visitation . The decisions made in these cases will have an enormous impact on everyone involved.

What is the best interest standard in family law?

In family law cases, a court will use the child’s best interest standard. This standard takes precedence over most issues. However, the factors the court will consider may vary by state. Using the child’s best interest standard ensures a vulnerable class of individuals, children, are granted the utmost protections.

Make a list of Questions

Organizing your thoughts in advance helps ensure the attorney addresses all the areas that are important to you. Compiling your list of concerns will most likely raise additional questions. Write them down. Your attorney will be an invaluable resource in providing you accurate and informative answers.

After the Initial Consultation

The initial consultation is an opportunity to get your questions answered. This will help you better understand how your unique circumstances affect the divorce process.

What happens if you don't follow proper procedure?

One inappropriate outburst or failure to follow proper procedure could result in offending the court, and you could lose custody of your child. Talk to your child custody attorney about what will be expected of you in court and how to behave in an appropriate manner. Let Your Attorney Do the Talking.

Can I walk into court prepared for a custody hearing?

Attending a child custody hearing can be scary if you are not familiar with the process. However, with a little planning and conversation with your child custody attorney, you can walk into court prepared. In this article, we will explore how to prepare for a custody hearing so you walk into court with confidence.