There may be several reasons why you need to seek out family law attorneys to help you. It could be you are planning on adopting a child, you are getting divorced, or you are arranging or amending child custody agreements.
While it's never easy to see a family law attorney, if you are prepared for your first meeting, it can help make that meeting easier. A lawyer can better serve you if you do a little preparation ahead of time. Here are some tips on how you can prepare for your first meeting with a family law attorney when you are seeking a divorce.
Have All Relevant Information Written Down
Family law attorneys can best help you when they have as much information as possible. This means you can help your case by bringing with you all the relevant information you need.
This will include your spouse's full, legal name, both of your dates of birth, the names and birthdates of any children you have, and your and your spouse's income. If either of you have any health issues, let your family law attorney know about them, especially if they are relevant to your case.
Bring Important Documentation
When you are searching for family law attorneys, talking to them on the phone will tell you that you need to bring any important documentation that's relevant to the case.
This will include any and all documents pertaining to any homes you own separately or together. You need to bring the mortgage documentation and the house deed, and if you have any income property, you'll need documentation of that as well. Bring your bank statements, tax assessments, investment information, credit card statements, and any other financial documents.
The family lawyer will want to know what assets you have that you hold jointly and what needs to be separated in the divorce. This can also help determine who may get primary custody of your children.
If you have any legal documents, such as divorce papers you have been served, any restraining orders against either of you, or pre or post-nuptial agreements, you need to bring that to your first meeting too. It gives your lawyer a better idea of how to proceed with your case.
Have Questions Ready
Family law attorneys expect that you will have concerns and anxieties about your case. It's not easy to end a marriage. You may have plenty of questions you wish to ask.
This is a good idea as it means you are more invested in your case and can help your lawyer.
Write down as many questions as you can think of for your first meeting. Contact a family law attorney for more information.
