What Should I Bring to My First Consultation?
An initial consultation with a family law attorney is an opportunity to learn more about your case, your rights, your options, and how a specific lawyer can help. Preparing for your first meeting with a family law attorney can enhance the value of your time together. You should bring any relevant documents, from court filings to financial records. Our dedicated family lawyer can guide you through your initial consultation in Pearland, TX.
During the consultation, it is beneficial to have the documents and things described below, so that you can refer to them as you and the attorney exchange questions and answers as you work through the situation together and develop a plan for you to move forward. For the “records” listed below, it is beneficial if you have copies of the same; you can hand them over, which will be added to your “file” in the attorney’s office if you proceed forward.
A Written Timeline and Summary of the Situation
First and foremost, you should get organized about your case. Creating a detailed summary of events relevant to your case is best practice. For example, if you are pursuing a divorce, list key dates such as the date of marriage, separation, and any essential incidents. For child custody or support issues, include a history of parenting responsibilities and any disputes or agreements already made with your co-parent. Details can be very helpful for your Texas family lawyer.
Financial Records
Your financial picture matters in many family law cases, especially divorce, spousal support, and child support. Therefore, it is best practice to bring some relevant financial records. Some of the most useful documentation includes:
- Recent pay stubs (last three months)
- Tax returns (last two years, including W-2s or 1099s)
- Bank statements (last three to six months)
- Retirement account information
- Credit card and loan statements
- A basic list of assets (home, cars, business interests)
- A basic list of debts (mortgages, student loans, etc.)
Any Existing Legal Documents or Court Orders
Are you already involved in a family law case? Are there existing agreements in place? Have there been any court orders made? If so, you must ensure your Pearland family lawyer knows about the situation. You may want to bring the following to your consultation:
- Divorce decrees
- Custody orders
- Protective orders
- Court petitions
- Family motions/responses
- Settlement agreements
Information About Children (If Applicable)
Parents of young kids and teenagers have some unique issues to deal with in family law cases. For custody, visitation, or support matters, you may want to bring the following to your consultation:
- Children's full names and dates of birth
- School information (name, location, performance concerns)
- A proposed parenting schedule (if you have one)
- Details of health conditions or special needs
A List of Questions and Concerns
Write down questions you want answered about fees, legal strategy, timelines, or your rights. Doing so helps to ensure you do not forget to ask about things that matter most to you during the consultation. A key point to remember is that your family law consultation is your opportunity to ask questions about your family law case. Do not hesitate to ask many questions.
Consult With Our Family Law Attorney Today
John Powell is a skilled, compassionate, and experienced client advocate. We provide confidential, comprehensive initial consultations. Ready to get started on your case. Contact us today for a fully confidential consultation. With an office in Pearland, we provide family law services throughout the surrounding areas in Southeast Texas.