Not Fun – Sitting Down with a Lawyer to Discuss a Potential Divorce

As I say in the blog video, each time I walk into an initial consultation I try to remind myself that I am about to learn more intimate details than this person has maybe never shared with their family members, their best friends, and sometimes even their counselors.  It is very hard to pick up a telephone and make an appointment, let alone walk through the doors of a lawyer’s office to discuss a very traumatic situations in one’s life.  It is important for we, as lawyers, to be empathetic, ask the right questions and provide answers during initial consultations.

As the client in an initial consultation for a divorce, it is important to know that you should share information with the lawyer, think ahead of time about a contact arrangement with the children, bring a list of assets and debts for the lawyer to review, be as clear as you can on your income and that of your spouse, and have your questions written down so you do not forget anything.  Coming in with this information and being able to articulate it to the lawyer will allow them to better give you substantive advice.

Some of the things a lawyer should consider providing a first time client is a discussion on parenting and what a contact schedule may look like.  There should be initial dialog about the division of assets and debts and the client’s goals with regard to home, retirement and cash that is available.  If the lawyer has information regarding a possible contact schedule, a possible division of the assets and debts, and the incomes, the lawyer would be in a position to make an initial projection, although it would be subject to change as more information was gathered, regarding possible alimony figures and regarding a possible range of alimony and child support.    In addition, the lawyer should also be giving you procedural advice on the divorce process.

I take it to heart when I meet with a client for an initial consultation and try to be very sympathetic, gather as much information as possible, and provide as much information as possible so when the client walks out, they have some direction during a very difficult time.