Something has happened in your life that has required the need for a family law attorney. You’ve done your research into family law firms, and you’re ready to make the call and schedule an attorney consultation. You likely feel anxious and uncertain as to what you may expect. While we may not be able to alleviate the anxiety that a family conflict can create, understanding what to expect and how to best prepare for an initial consultation can, hopefully, make the process a little less tense.
How to schedule your consult. You can call 1-888-323-7529 or use the chat function on this site to schedule a day, time and family law attorney of your preference. You will receive confirmation emails and texts, should you opt in for those reminders. You will also be provided with a link to complete an intake form which will ask you to outline your personal details (name, age, etc.) as well as your partner.
What to do before your consultation. There are a number of steps you can take which will make your initial consultation more productive. First, you should gather relevant documents which will be helpful to your divorce attorney in advising you. Specifically, gather the following:
1. Relevant court documents. This includes any pleadings you may have received, any prior orders in effect, or notices.
2. Agreements. Any agreements which you have signed or received from the other party, such as a prenuptial agreement, a separation agreement, a marital settlement agreement, etc. If you have received a proposed agreement from the other side, this would also be essential to provide to your consulting attorney.
3. Correspondence received. Any letters, emails, or other correspondence received from an attorney representing the other side or from the court.
4. Documents you feel are important to your case. This includes text messages from the other side, therapy records, school notes, police reports, etc. Anything you feel will be important to your case or that will help provide some insight into your family conflict.
5. Your budget spreadsheet. If you regularly keep a budget spreadsheet for your household, it may be helpful to your attorney to provide this, if support or property division is at issue. If you do not regularly keep such an accounting, do not feel the need to create one. Your attorney will assist you in preparing one later in your case.
6. Profit and loss statements. If you own your own business, providing your attorney with recent profit and loss statements may help your attorney understand the financial situation of your business, assuming property division or support will be discussed.
When you have gathered the above information, bring copies with you to your consultation, if in person. If you have scheduled a remote consultation by phone or by zoom, email these documents to the scheduling representative well in advance of your consultation time. They will ensure this is passed along to the consulting attorney.
Written by Joseph E. Cordell
Joseph E. Cordell is the Principal Partner at Cordell and Cordell, P.C., which he founded in 1990 with his wife, Yvonne. Over the past 25 years, the firm has grown to include more than 100 offices in 30 states, as well as internationally in the United Kingdom. Mr. Cordell is licensed to practice in the states of Illinois and Missouri and received his LL.M. from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Joseph E. Cordell was named one of the Top 10 Best Family Law Attorneys for Client Satisfaction in Missouri.
