In this article, you can discover…
- The importance of an initial consultation with your divorce attorney.
- Which documents you should bring to this initial consultation.
- The most effective ways to communicate your concerns and goals to your lawyer.
Why Is It Important To Consult With A Divorce Attorney?
An initial consultation with an attorney is crucial for determining whether or not you will work well together. By meeting with an attorney, you can see how sympathetic they are to your situation and decide whether or not you’d like to invest in retaining that lawyer. This is a large and expensive commitment, so I would recommend meeting with at least two or three attorneys before making your decision.
You should certainly plan to have several consultations; I would encourage you to shop around the same way you may shop for a new car. Instead of going to a dealership and buying the first car you looked at, you would want to do your research and test several vehicles before making a decision.
During your search, you may find certain dealerships that turn you off from wanting to do business or others that stand out for their character. The same principles apply to hiring your divorce attorney, as this is a serious decision with significant financial implications.
What Documents Should I Bring To Meet With My Divorce Attorney?
It is not generally necessary to bring documentation to your initial consultation. You can provide any documents that you would like to have reviewed by emailing them to your attorney prior to your consultation. This way, your documents can be reviewed by your attorney prior to your meeting so that you will still have time for any questions you may have.
In lieu of your bringing documentation or financial information to our first meeting, I have a standard intake form where I will ask you for basic information such as your income, homeowner status, property portfolios and lists of assets.
Am I Allowed To Bring Someone To My Initial Consultation For Support?
You can bring someone to your consultation, but this is not always wise. The primary rule is to never bring your spouse to a divorce consult unless you have cleared them with your attorney. This can easily lead to a conflict of interest for your lawyer and should be avoided unless you and your attorney have decided otherwise.
I would also highly recommend clearing any friends or relatives that you plan to bring in through your attorney prior to your initial consultation. For example, if you tell me that you would like to bring your brother to your initial consultation, I will ask if they are going to be a witness in the case.
If the answer is yes, I will ask you to consider bringing someone else in, as another attorney may argue that attorney-client privilege has been waived by bringing a witness to the consultation.
Ultimately, it is okay to bring someone to your consultation for emotional support, but it is important to look out for the risk of accidentally waiving attorney-client privilege. If you plan to bring a friend or family member to your consultation, it is best to contact your attorney first so that they can assess the situation.
Attorney David Bliven is a seasoned lawyer based in New York who has helped countless clients just like you navigate the intricacies of divorce law. With nearly 30 years of experience, David is prepared to assist you through your divorce proceedings so that you can move forward with greater clarity and peace of mind.
Still have questions? Ready to get started? Contact the Law Offices of David Bliven today to schedule an initial consultation.
What Do I Need To Know About New York Divorce Law Before My Consultation?
Much like any other legal case, I believe that knowledge is power. The more educated and prepared you can be to handle your case, the better. In fact, I actually have downloadable eBooks on the homepage of my website that you can review for free to educate yourself on your case. The books discuss how to handle divorce cases in New York, and I encourage all of my potential clients to read these books prior to our meeting.
I love it when a potential client visits my office and lets me know that they read the books on my website. This takes a lot of the guesswork off of your plate as the client and reassures me as the attorney that you are serious about your case and educated on the divorce process. Gathering the proper resources to educate yourself before your initial consultation benefits both you and your attorney.
What Is The Most Effective Way To Communicate My Goals And Concerns To My Attorney?
In my professional opinion, there is a communicational hierarchy – appointments are better than emails, and emails are better than nothing. Emails are useful in certain scenarios, but any lengthy discussions should be reserved for appointments. Luckily, the advent of Zoom and FaceTime makes it easy to schedule appointments and address any questions or concerns.
Appointments are also preferable for financial reasons. I have had back-and-forths with clients who have not realized that they are billed separately for each email and text message when they could just as easily address their concerns in a 30-minute meeting. When you have something to discuss at length, an appointment is your best option.
What Are Some Common Mistakes I Can Avoid In My Initial Consultation?
Step one is to avoid telling your potential attorney that you have an especially complicated case but can’t afford anything. Second, you will want to be as honest as possible with your attorney so that they can make an assessment of your case based on an accurate account of events. If you don’t provide your attorney with accurate, honest information, they may accidentally misrepresent your case.
It is also important to be sure that you make a list of any necessary questions you want to get out of the way. This way, you can avoid leaving your consultation feeling like you need to book another one because you forgot to ask important questions.
Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?
Do you need more information on Divorce Law In New York, NY? An initial consultation with the Law Offices of David Bliven is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (914) 362-3080 today.
