This Week’s Blog by Sarah E. Murray
What is the Purpose of the Initial Divorce Consultation?
After having made the difficult decision to contact an attorney regarding divorce and after making an appointment to meet with him or her, it is natural to feel apprehensive or to be unsure of what to expect at that initial meeting. Most Fairfield County divorce clients have many questions about the divorce process, possible outcomes, and how Connecticut law applies to his or her case. Those are all appropriate issues to be discussed in an initial consultation. One of the primary purposes of the initial divorce consultation, in addition to information gathering, is for the potential client and the potential lawyer to meet in order to determine whether both the client and the lawyer are comfortable working together. As a client, it is important to feel that you can trust your divorce attorney and that there is good communication between you and your divorce attorney. The initial consultation is a good opportunity for both the lawyer and client to assess whether they can have a good working relationship during a sometimes difficult process.
What Do I Need to Bring with Me to My First Meeting with a Potential Divorce Lawyer?
Among other things, it is important for a divorce attorney to have as much information as possible so that he or she can accurately evaluate the case and give the appropriate advice. Of course, if you were the person served with divorce papers, you should bring those papers to the initial consult so that the attorney can review them and explain them to you. At the first meeting with a divorce lawyer, however, it is not required that you bring any other documents with you. The divorce attorney will listen to you and ask questions in order to gain a better understanding of the basic facts of the case. There will be plenty of time after the initial consultation for you to provide relevant documentation to your lawyer. While you do not need to bring documents with you to the initial consult, there are some documents that you can bring to make the meeting more productive. For example, if there is a Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement in your case, you should bring a copy of that to the meeting. Most top Fairfield County divorce attorneys will even ask to see the document in advance of the meeting so that he or she can review it beforehand. Some people also like to bring relevant financial documentation to the meeting, such as tax returns and bank and brokerage accounts, so that specific financial questions they have can be addressed.
Is What I Discuss at My Initial Divorce Consultation Confidential?
The short answer to this question is: yes. The information you provide to a potential divorce lawyer, even if you do not hire that person, is kept confidential. Keep in mind, however, the caveat discussed below.
Should I Bring My Friend (or Family Member) to the Initial Consultation Meeting?
It is normal for people to want emotional support at an initial divorce consultation. If a third party is present in a meeting between a potential client and a lawyer, that presence can jeopardize the confidentiality of the meeting, as confidentiality and attorney-client privilege typically only extend to the potential client. If you deem it critical to bring a friend or family member with you to the initial consultation, you can discuss how to handle it with the potential divorce lawyer with whom you are meeting. You and the divorce attorney may decide to have the friend or family member wait in the reception area during all or part of the meeting in order to protect the information discussed.
What are the General Topics Discussed during the Initial Consult?
In general terms, the best initial consultations cover the following topics, as applicable to the facts of your case: the divorce process in Connecticut, custody of minor children and parenting plans, discovery of relevant information during the divorce, division of assets and liabilities, and alimony and child support. Top Fairfield County attorneys will also discuss with you strategy concerns and any other issues that may be particular to your case. In order for the divorce lawyer to give you good advice, he or she will ask many questions, ranging from basic to very personal. The more information you provide, the more you and a potential divorce attorney can begin crafting a timeline and strategy for your case.
What Questions Should I Ask at the Initial Divorce Consultation?
There is no question too insignificant for an initial divorce consult. A good divorce attorney will want you to feel comfortable that your questions have been answered and will welcome any and all questions that you have. There is very little that experienced divorce attorneys have not heard or been asked; so, do not be shy about sharing information or asking questions. Beyond the typical questions about the divorce process, how long divorces in Connecticut typically last, and what to expect with respect to parenting and finances, you should also ask questions about the financial relationship between you and the potential lawyer. You will want to know the attorney’s hourly rate, requested retainer or other fee arrangements, and how frequently you will receive invoices reflecting time spent on your case.
At Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC, we pride ourselves on our informative initial consultations, which typically initiate an effective attorney-client relationship that lasts throughout the case. We strive to advise potential clients in a forthright manner so that they feel comfortable about what to expect from the divorce process in Connecticut and so that they understand their options moving forward.
