Advice for 1st mtg (paid) w/attorney
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| Sun, 12-03-2006 - 10:00pm |
I've learned so much here, but still have some questions for which I'm hoping you can share your experience and advice:
1. How do I get the most bang for the buck at the first (paid and expensive) consultation w/my attorney? I know to bring tax statements and asset/debt list, but is there anything you recommend that I bring or ask? FWIW, my primary goal is custody and safety of my son, I am financially OK on my own.
2. Why must I bring the tax statement and asset/debt list to first meeting? Almost every lawyer requested this, but I can't help feeling it is greedy and not relevant for a first consultation.... I finally chose a lawyer based on personal recommnedation from someone who won a tough custody case with her (and he chose her based on a similar recommendation), and she was very easy to speak with on the phone. I'm hoping someone can tell me that this is a valid, non-smarmy request for a first consult!
Thanks so much
B

If your first visit is paid, then you want to make the most of your time with the attorney. If you don't bring taxes, asset/debt info, you have to ask yourself what you hope to discuss and accomplish? I don't know if it's that the lawyer is necessarily being greedy, but rather wanting to be completely informed about your situation, so as to know how best to advise you. It gives them an overall picture of your situation. If you're going in for a paid visit, you are most likely hiring them to take your case, but even if you're not, they'll want as much info as possible so they can give you some immediate feedback, so you can make an informed choice.
In my situation, I spoke extensively on the phone first with the attorney, and then brought in the necessary paperwork, so we could get down to business right away. I had no problems with this process. Good luck.
Tis