When meeting with a divorce lawyer in Westminster for the first time, it is always best to be prepared. You want to make the most out of these meetings and ensure they are productive and informative. There are several things you can do ahead of time to ensure this is time well spent for both you and the divorce lawyer in Erie.
Here are a few simple ways that you can prepare for your first appointment with an attorney.
Do Your Research
Before you call and schedule an appointment or consultation with just any attorney, do your research. There are dozens of attorneys in the area and you want to make sure you are choosing the best individual for your type of case, a specific area of law, and more.
As you conduct your research, narrow down the legal professionals in the area. Pay attention to these individual’s specialties and prior experience. A few additional factors to consider as you search for the best lawyer in Broomfield include:
Experience — Where did the attorney go to school? How long has he or she been practicing? Are you familiar with any of their previous cases?
Reputation — Spend some time searching online to learn about an attorney’s reputation. Is he or she known for being honest and dependable? Are many clients pleased with their overall experience working with this legal professional?
Referrals — Ask friends or family members for recommendations on attorneys in the area. They may have experience with a legal professional or know attorneys in the area who do an excellent job or who you should avoid.
Type of Firm — Spend some time learning about the firm where the attorney is employed. Is it a large company? Is it a locally-owned firm? Both options certainly have their pros and cons, and it is important you are familiar with the entire firm, not just the individual who you are choosing to represent you.
Gather All Necessary Documents
During your first appointment, the child custody lawyer in Erie will likely request many documents that relate to your case. This could vary depending on the type of case, the area of law, and more. To make the process run more smoothly and to prevent any unnecessary delays from occurring, have all paperwork ready to be presented to the attorney.
When you are organized, and all documents are ready to be presented to the legal professional, the attorney can more easily jump right into the case. It also makes it easier to notice any missing information, giving you plenty of time to gather it before any deadlines arise. Additionally, this paperwork gives the attorney a better glimpse into the case at the very beginning of the process, helping him or her recognize if they have any conflicts of interest and if they can truly help you.
Prepare Financially
During your first appointment, you will want to discuss the financial aspects of hiring the specific individual. Depending on the case and the attorney or firm you are hiring, this can cost you a significant amount of money. Each firm and attorney may bill differently, such as charge by the hour or require a flat fee. Knowing this information ahead of time can help you prepare to pay this upcoming bill.
Additionally, some attorneys may require a deposit or a retainer fee at the beginning of the process. This gives the attorney confidence that you will pay them for the work they will complete on your case. Again, this may vary depending on the type of case, the firm, and more. Before you head to this appointment, be prepared to pay some upfront costs.
Many attorneys will not charge for the first appointment. This is time they are willing to give to you to help them determine if the case is right for them and if they can truly help you. When making your first appointment, ask the attorney about the scheduled consultation and if there is a fee attached.
Prepare a List of Questions to Ask
To ensure you make the most of your time with the attorney, have a list of questions prepared to ask them. These can be very basic questions, or they can relate specifically to your case. A few questions you may want to ask at the first appointment include:
- Have you ever worked on a case similar to mine, and if so, how did it turn out?
- When could you begin working on my case?
- What is the expected timeline for my case?
- What would you need from me to help you work on and win the case?
- What type of experience do you have working in this area of the law?
- When will you need your first payment?
- What are the best methods for communicating with you?
- Will you be the only individual working on my case, or will an associate attorney, paralegal, or assistant contribute as well?
The more information you gather at the beginning of the hiring process, the more confident you will feel in the legal professional and their ability to work on and win your case.
No matter what legal battle you may be fighting or the legal assistance you may be seeking, you need the best attorney on your side, helping you every step of the way. To ensure you hire wisely and that your first meeting with the legal professional is a success, keep the above four items in mind. These things will help you properly prepare mentally and financially for this experience in your life.
