Knowing all of the intricacies of the law can be difficult. But thankfully, whenever you are tied up in a situation that requires a vast knowledge of the legal system, you can always count on a knowledgeable lawyer to help you get through it. Whether we are talking about child custody or divorce, lawyers can help you walk through the entire process, answering every single question you may have along the way.
But perhaps you have already found your ideal lawyer. If this is the case, here are a few things you should know before meeting with them for the first time.
Continue reading to learn more about the dress code, etiquette, and proper questions you should ask if this is your first encounter with your lawyer.
Tips For Meeting With Your Lawyer For the First Time
1. Dress To Impress
When first meeting with your divorce or child custody lawyer, make sure to dress to impress. You don’t have to opt for formal wear necessarily, but make sure you look presentable. Wear business casual attire. Women can wear a nice dress with dress shoes, while men can wear khakis with a nice polo. There are no strict and exact rules here, but try to make the best impression possible.
2. Be Ready To Give Your Attorney Important Information About Yourself
If you have not already done so, make sure you have all of your personal information ready before meeting with your lawyer.
This can include your physical address, email address, information regarding your job or employer, and your cell phone number. If you don’t have these things memorized, write it down in your planner or type it into your cell phone for easy access.
3. Gather Your Evidence And Have It Ready For Your First Meeting
You want to make sure you have gathered all the necessary documents, photos, and evidence. Keep everything safe in a manilla folder for your lawyers or lawyer to review the day of your meeting.
4. Get Your Facts Straight
Regarding your case, prepare to have all of your facts straight. If you find yourself struggling to present the facts while remaining calm, try the following exercise.
- Write down everything onto a piece of paper.
- Rehearse your statement by reading it back into a mirror. If you find yourself leaving something out, simply rework it into your written statement.
- Finally, call a friend or family member and have them sit down with you. Read through the information with your person of choice. This should help you prepare for the first encounter with your lawyer or team of lawyers.
You need to include key details of your case, such as names, the sequence of events, and the exact dates involved with your case.
5. Plan Something You Can Look Forward To For After Your Meeting
Meeting with your lawyer may reawaken negative feelings. You may find yourself feeling angry, depressed, or worried. This is normal. Reopening wounds, new or old, can do that. It’s significant that you plan something pleasant to do after your first meeting with your lawyer. Plan a shopping trip with friends, meet with your favorite relative for lunch, or treat yourself to your favorite meal immediately after your meeting. This can settle any negative feelings you may have, and properly prepare you for your court date.
Conclusion
Going through a divorce or child custody battle is already a hard enough process. Thankfully, you can count on an attorney to help you get through this difficult time in your life.
Lawyers meet with many clients, so being prepared before your first encounter with your attorney is of the utmost importance. If you are unsure of what exactly this entails, follow a few of these tips.
By preparing before your first meeting, drawing up some questions, and dressing the part, you will undoubtedly feel ready to take on your court date.