Preparing for Your Initial Consultation with a Family Lawyer: What to Expect and Bring

Separation or divorce can be a stressful experience, often leading couples to an uncomfortable situation where both parties seek to claim their rights. This can make it difficult for people to be prepared when they start looking for legal assistance. This blog aims to share valuable information regarding what to bring and how to be prepared for your first meeting with a family lawyer.

Preparing for Your First Meeting

Before attending the meeting, it is fundamental that you can explain your needs and what you would like to be resolved in terms of legal assistance. Your lawyer will expect that you share your preferences in terms of parenting arrangements, how you would like family property and other assets to be divided and even how debts can be paid. This will help your lawyer come up with a suitable strategy for your case.

Moreover, it is also important that enough information is provided to your lawyer. For that reason, you should consider providing details concerning important facts about your marriage as well as relevant dates. This may include when you got married, why you are separating or getting a divorce as well as the number of children and their age. Though sharing private information might be disconcerting at first, it can help your lawyer have a clear understanding of the situation and decide what can be done.

What You Should Bring to the Meeting

The documents and information to be shared with your lawyers will depend on what your needs are and what you would like to be considered in your case. However, it is recommended that you bring:

Documents for personal identification
Birth certificates of your children
Information on health conditions that you and your children may have.
Detailed employment information
Complete contact information of you and the other person if possible
Tax returns or summaries information of you and the other person
Most recent pay stubs of both parties
Documents regarding properties and assets you and the other person own.
A list of debts of both parties, if any.

Prepare a List of Questions to Bring with You

Consultations like this can be very technical and complex, which often leads people to forget to ask relevant questions or share important information. For that reason, it is strongly recommended that you prepare a list of topics you would like to discuss with your lawyer in advance. Asking questions will not only help you better comprehend your possibilities but also help your lawyer have a better understanding of your needs.

Your Choice for Legal Assistance in Ajax, Whitby and Pickering

Navigating the legal system can be complex and time consuming, and the experience can be even more difficult when we are dealing with a divorce or separation. Mathews Professional Corporation Law Office provides competent family law assistance services. Our goal is to not only make sure that your needs are taken into consideration, but also provide you with the possibility of dealing with the situation in a less stressful manner. If you are looking for a competent family lawyer, reach out to us. Our experienced team will be happy to help you in every step of the process.