In a previous post, we explored how to find the right attorney for you. In that article we discussed that an initial meeting is vital in ensuring that you have found the right fit in the attorney to represent your case. The following are important questions that you should be sure to ask during that initial meeting.

How long have you been practicing and what is most of your experience in?

It is important to understand the background of your attorney. Especially if your case has unique elements, it can be beneficial to entrust an attorney that has experience in that specific area.

How long will this process take?

This is what most people want to know when beginning a case. However, there is not usually a simple answer. A case can continue for months or sometimes even years. The attorney can help gauge this range based on prior experiences and the specifics of your case.

What is your fee structure and how much will this cost?

Understanding the fee structure will help to ensure that you are not surprised with your initial invoice. But much like the above answer, how much a case will ultimately cost depends on the specifics of the case. The longer a case goes on the more costly it will be.  

What do you think the outcome will be?

It is important for you and your attorney to be on the same page with what you want from this case but also what you expect from it. You want an attorney who will advocate for you and you can judge this by knowing what their thoughts are on the case.

Are you familiar with the opposing attorney in the case?

The area of family law can sometimes appear to be a small world to attorneys. Attorneys may work with the same opposing counsel on multiple cases or even know other attorneys from seeing each other at the courthouse or being members of the same legal association. It can be beneficial to your case for your attorney to be familiar with the opposing counsel. This may make communication easier and even affect the strategy of the case.

Who will be handling the day-to-day matters of my case?

It is important to know who you should be contacting concerning the administrative issues of your case and how best you should contact him or her. Often times, there will be an office administrator, assistant, or clerk who you may send documents to or even simply need to ask when and where your next court date is.

What additional information do you need?

A domestic relations case will require much personal information, such as financial statements, contact information, education documents, and much more. It is important that you provide your attorney with everything that can assist in your case.

If you are contemplating beginning a domestic relations case, please contact the experienced attorneys at Vayman & Teitelbaum. We will be sure to answer all of your questions to the fullest and any more that you may have to ensure that you are comfortable in our representation.