An initial divorce consultation is a great opportunity to gather information and plan next steps. Some attorneys offer free consultations. But as the saying goes “you get what you pay for.” A paid consultation is almost always the best way to get lots of information and the best advice.
Here is how to get the most out of the process.
At the consultation
Make sure to ask questions. I know the law but you know the facts. Be sure to have your most pressing issues discussed. Feel free to bring a list of questions. I always appreciate a prospective client’s thoroughness.
Suggested questions to ask me or other divorce lawyers include:
- What percentage of your practice is family law?
- How many years have you practiced family law?
- Can you provide an overview of a the Connecticut divorce process?
- Do you prefer settling cases or litigating?
- What percentage of your cases settle versus going to trial? (An experienced divorce attorney should have experience with both).
- What are the costs and fees including the initial retainer? (Although the retainer should be within your price range, keep in mind that cheaper is not always better).
- Is the unused portion of the refunded? (I would not recommend hiring any attorney who will not refund the unused portion of your retainer).
- What are your billing practices? How often will I receive an accounting of my retainer(s)? How often will I be invoiced if there is no retainer left?
After the consultation
After the meeting, ask yourself the following questions:
- Were my questions sufficiently answered?
- Does the lawyer have the required experience in handling cases like mine?
- Do you feel that the attorney had a practical approach to your case? (A more expensive attorney with a vision is better than a cheaper attorney with no clear game plan).
- Did the lawyer tell you things you didn’t want to hear? This is actually a good thing. Attorneys do clients a disservice if they only tell them what they want to hear. In a divorce case, there will always be information that you do not want to hear. You need to hear it. Unrealistic expectations often drive up legal fees and also create a rift between lawyer and client.
Connecticut Initial Divorce Consultation
I represent clients in divorce cases and all Family Court matters though out Fairfield and New Haven County including those who reside in Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Trumbull, Stratford, Bridgeport, Westport, Weston, New Canaan, Wilton, Norwalk, Darien, Stamford, Greenwich, Shelton, Orange and Milford.
Please email me or call me in Stamford at (203) 356-1475 or in Fairfield at (203) 259-5251 to schedule your initial divorce consultation.