Appoint with a lawyer..Any Adive?

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-10-2004
Appoint with a lawyer..Any Adive?
2
Tue, 08-17-2004 - 2:01pm
Well, I finally have an appointment with a lawyer Yipeee!

I was wondering if you guys have any advice (questions to ask, things to tell etc.)

He has experience in DA and is a tough guy in court..thank goodness since my H has a way of manipulating people and can seem very honest and sincere as he lies through his teeth.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2003
Tue, 08-17-2004 - 3:01pm

My advice in dealing with the legal folks is give them everything you even think they might need, let them sort through it.

CL-Blueliner4

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-15-2004
Wed, 08-18-2004 - 11:26am
Being that I work in the legal field, let me give you some advice. Read the attorney's facial expressions: if he/she doesn't seem to be concerned about your situation, get up and leave. Many attorneys become cold hearted to clients because they feel they have seen all that there is to see. They will not work on your case as it should be handled and you will be left with the feeling that you have accomplished nothing.

Take every piece of paper, messages, etc. to your first consultation including financial information that may help the attorney decide on how to proceed: do you pay all the bills, if so you may have the right to a restraining order causing him to leave the home and allowing you to reside in the home until further notice by the court. Anything that might have the slight relevance to the abuse you have struggled, for example, a neighbor's written statement of acknowledgment of the abuse, an interrupted day at work due to his abuse, etc.

If you choose an attorney, be sure to report to him any new developments that have occurred since your last meeting, many people do not supply their attorney this information and this is crucial because it can provide the attorney with a time line of abuse. Try to tape any phone conversations that you have with your H (you must tell him your taping the conversation but sometimes they get so angry they slip and say what they shouldn't). Document every day as if if were a diary entry.

Be very careful at this point, it is easy for him to find out that you are seeking help from an attorney! Good Luck and God Bless!

Legalsectm