What To Do Before Meeting with Your Lawyer

Whether you are getting divorced, writing your will, suing about a car accident, being sued over a breach of contract, incorporating a business, or whatever legal issues may take you to an attorney, it's important to prepare. Many clients are very nervous at the first meeting. Being prepared will help you save time - after all, some lawyers bill hourly - and reduce anxiety.

First, check your state bar's disciplinary records. I don't care if your cousin, friend, or barista says he or she is wonderful. Check your state bar's disciplinary records. If the attorney has a history of discipline, find another attorney. Attorneys don't get publicly reprimanded for small reasons and there are plenty of qualified attorneys out there to help you who have clean records.

The disciplinary record is also a great way to get insight into what other attorneys think of your attorney. Even in large cities, legal communities are small. Discipline that took place years ago will affect your attorney's reputation. Your attorney's reputation will affect the Judge's perception of your case and other attorney's negotiating tactics.

Don't be afraid to read reviews online, but focus on comments on the attorney's knowledge, responsiveness, and fairness of fees. Attorneys can't guarantee results, so clients with unreasonable expectations may leave unreliable reviews.

Also, be wary of your attorney's website. Attorneys can buy content that makes them seem far more knowledgeable than they really are, and I know many attorneys who do this. See if your attorney has written anything published on an independent site, magazine, or journal to get an impression of their actual level of knowledge.

You have questions. How much can I expect this to cost? What are my chances of winning? Should I get off of Facebook until the divorce is final? Attorneys try to anticipate your questions, but write them down to be sure you get all of the answers that you want.

Don't be afraid to address costs with your attorney. Clear expectations about expenses and fees will save both of you a lot of trouble later, yet some attorneys still shy away from this topic. Don't let them.

No matter what you are going in for, your attorney will likely have an intake form or questionnaire for you to fill out. See if you can get a copy of any necessary forms before the appointment so that you can have all of the information ready. If you are divorcing or writing a will, for example, this information will be very personal and very detailed and may take time for you to compile. Getting it ready beforehand will move your case along faster.

Ask what papers to bring with you when you make your appointment. Bring at least that information, plus anything else that you think MIGHT be relevant to the appointment. Did a relative recently pass away? Bring their death certificate, bills, and all relatives' contact information to the appointment. Disputing custody with an ex? Bring in your child's school records, your employment history, any troubling texts from the other parent, etc. I once had a lady come in for a consultation about the effects of her Will, but she didn't bring the Will or even a copy. Needless to say, we didn't get very far and she left very frustrated.

You aren't a lawyer. Or maybe you are, but you aren't experienced in the area of your legal issue. Learning a little about your legal issue will help you develop questions for your attorney. It will also make you feel more comfortable at the appointment when your attorney starts using terms of art.

Keep in mind that laws change constantly and vary considerably from state to state. What your lawyer says may not be what you read, but educating yourself is a great starting place for taking control and making sure you've chosen the right attorney for you and your case.