If you’ve never had to deal with a lawyer then the idea of meeting up for a consultation about personal and private issues can be rather daunting. The trouble is, whatever you need a lawyer for, you will probably be unfamiliar with all the legal aspects of what you are trying to sort out, so you may already feel slightly intimidated and vulnerable. This does not have to be the case. For example, Dam Lawyers are a dynamic team of highly trained individuals who are fully integrated with the latest technologies and systems, and can offer a comprehensive and complete understanding to all aspects of law, and we are able to tailor our legal solutions to each person’s needs.
Before you meet your lawyer for the first time a quick phone call or contact with the company can help to put you in the picture, so you can prepare for what is expected next. Different firms have different ways of operating. Here at Dam Lawyers we offer a free consultation over the phone, so you will know exactly what to expect and how we will proceed to help you get matters sorted. We also offer a free online quote so you know exactly what you will be paying for before you begin. Many companies will offer a free initial appointment, but check if there is a time limit on it as you will be charged for anything over the allocated time. If you do have an initial free appointment you will be expected to pay for anything they do afterwards, like reading any documents you have provided.
Get The Most Out Of Your First Appointment
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. This goes for the first meeting with your lawyer, so be clear on why you are going, and the outcome you are wanting. It is always a good idea to write a timeline of events and issues prior to the appointment, so both you and your lawyer are clear on what happened and when. Make a note of all the issues or concerns you have because once you are in the lawyer’s office it is very easy to get distracted or forget important details. It is also sometimes easier to write down sensitive issues rather than have to voice them out loud to somebody you’ve never met before. It can also be a good idea to take someone with you as support, they may think of things you haven’t thought of, or remember things afterwards that you have forgotten. When you need a lawyer it generally means you’ve got a lot going on, emotionally, financially or both, and during stressful times there are important things that can easily get overlooked.
Remember to take with you all relevant documents; contracts, loan agreements, marriage certificates etc. Anything you think is important is worth taking, your lawyer can discard them if they are not relevant to your case, but legal documents are difficult to understand and may just be important to help you get the outcome you’re after.
Prepare any questions you want to ask your lawyer before you go to your first appointment so you don’t forget to ask them when you are there. Things like “what should I do to prepare?” and “what do you need from me?” can help things move along more swiftly and efficiently. Your first appointment usually takes anywhere between one and two hours, so going in prepared will make the best use of the time available.
What To Bring To Your First Meeting
The better armed you are with information relating to your matter, the better the advice your lawyer will be able to provide you in relation to getting you the most successful outcome. Key dates are very important for any legal family matter, for example when you started living together (or separated), the date of your marriage (or divorce), children’s birthdays etc.
Gathering financial documents such as bank statements, including credit cards and mortgage accounts, tax returns and pay slips, trusts or self-managed funds, or any business activity statements need to be shown. In family law matters all the parties involved have an obligation to exchange full disclosure of their financial circumstances so your lawyer can properly advise you, and exchange them with the other party or parties involved.
Any assets or superannuation entitlements that are owned by you separately, or jointly with your partner will need to be disclosed, as will any property value appraisals for any homes or properties you own, or vehicle value appraisals for any cars or vans you own, will also need to be taken into account. If you find out about all the information you will need to bring before your meeting, you can plan ahead of time and arrive fully prepared.
Your Lawyer Is There To Help You Get Through It
It is important to select your family lawyer carefully, and make sure they have expertise in the type of legal issues you are experiencing. Also check they are registered lawyers. If you aren’t confident in understanding exactly what your lawyer is explaining to you, if they don’t answer all your questions clearly, or they make you feel uncomfortable or you can’t agree on the way the case should be run, you may need to find another lawyer. You can change your lawyer at any time, even if they have started working on your case, but you will have to pay them for any work they have done up to date.
It is worth remembering that while all conversations you have with your lawyer are confidential, they will need to know everything there is to know that is relevant to your case. You may need to disclose all your financial records in a separation or divorce, or tell them some very personal details if you have had an abusive partner, so it is vital that you feel comfortable and confident with the lawyer you have chosen to represent you.
