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| The Initial Consultation |
Before beginning a divorce, or any other litigation, it is always important to meet with an attorney in order to have a thorough understanding of the issues involved and whether or not your goals and expectations are realistic. Although your case may appear relatively straightforward and simple, an initial consultation can clarify points you may not have thought of and can provide guidance in avoiding actions that might negatively impact your case. Even if you decide to represent yourself in the litigation, a consultation with an attorney will give you the opportunity to foresee potential legal problems that are unique to your case.
The Cost of the Consultation
Some attorneys charge for an initial consultation; others may be willing to answer questions over the telephone. However, in order to give sound legal advice, an attorney should speak with you at length about the details of your case so that the legal advice is tailored to your specific circumstances. We encourage you to consult with an attorney, whether it is our firm or another firm, before beginning the legal process.
If you have children, an initial consultation is even more important because the divorce will affect their interests too. In addition, the more property and debts at issue, and the larger the potential for spousal maintenance, the more important the consultation becomes.
The Content of the Consultation
An initial consultation should provide you with a "road map" of where you are, where you’re going and what you’re legal rights and obligations are. If you plan to proceed without an attorney, it is even more important that you begin with an informed understanding of your rights, interests, and obligations.
During an initial consultation, the attorney will discuss applicable issues of law and how they apply to the specific facts of your case. By the end of the consultation, you should understand the issues of your case, the costs of retaining counsel, and the risks of proceeding on your own. Whether or not you ultimately decide to retain an attorney or law firm, you should make no major decision without first obtaining the advice of counsel. Your case may involve issues which will affect you and your children for many years to come. Therefore, it is essential that you understand the challenges you face before attempting to resolve them.
Making The Right Choice
Be sure you are comfortable with any attorney you retain. There is nothing wrong with insisting upon a second, third or fourth opinion, just as you would if a doctor advised you to undergo surgery. It is less expensive to begin with an attorney with whom you are comfortable than to realize in the middle of the case that your attorney is not right for you. In addition, facing divorce with an attorney whom you trust and respect is far easier than facing it alone or with an attorney with whom you are uneasy.
Since the attorney-client relationship depends so much on personality, no single attorney is right for every client. You will not be insulting the attorney with whom you consult if you decide to "shop around." No attorney should take a decision to retain someone else personally. In addition, no attorney should wish to represent a client who will be unhappy with his or her services.
Retaining An Attorney
As in the case of any contract, be sure that you read and understand the retainer agreement before you sign. Do not be afraid to ask questions. If you have another attorney whom you trust and who serves other, non-divorce-related needs, you should consider reviewing the terms of the retainer agreement with him or her before signing.
If you would like to set up a free consultation contact our senior family law paralegal Barbara Stewart at (214) 368-8300. If your matter is urgent, contact us by phone and let us know you saw our listing on the Internet.
If you do wish to contact us by email, please fill out the form below and an attorney will call you back as soon as possible.
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