How to Prepare for Your First Meeting With Your Attorney
Meeting with a lawyer for the first time can feel overwhelming. Whether your concern involves family law, estate planning, or another legal matter, preparation is the key to making the most of your consultation. A little organization upfront can save you time, reduce costs, and allow your attorney to get straight to the heart of your case or planning goals.
At Maven Law, we encourage every client to take a few simple steps before their first meeting.
1. Build a Timeline of Key Events
One of the most helpful tools you can bring is a simple timeline of important events. This gives your attorney a clear picture of your situation from the beginning.
For family law cases: when you met your partner, marriage date, children’s birth dates, moves, property purchases, date of separation, and any court hearings.
For estate planning: major life milestones such as marriages, divorces, births of children or grandchildren, acquisition of real estate or businesses, and any significant changes in health or finances.
Even a handwritten list in order of events can make a big difference.
2. Gather Relevant Documents
Legal issues often turn on the details in documents. Bringing what you already have helps your attorney give better, faster advice.
Family law: marriage or birth certificates, court orders, financial records, agreements, or correspondence.
Estate planning: existing wills or trusts, deeds to real estate, account statements, insurance policies, and any prior estate documents.
Tip: If your matter is already in court, you can request a copy of your file from the courthouse. This ensures your lawyer sees the full picture from day one.
3. Know Your Dates and Deadlines
Whether it is a scheduled court date, a deadline to respond to a notice, or simply the timeframe in which you want your estate plan completed, having these details ready helps your attorney prioritize.
4. Bring Your Questions and Be Open
Write down any questions or concerns in advance, no matter how big or small they may seem. This ensures you leave your meeting with clarity. And remember, honesty is key. Your attorney can only provide the right advice when they know the full set of facts.
What Not To Do Before Your Consultation
Just as there are smart ways to prepare, there are also pitfalls to avoid:
Do not come empty-handed. Even a rough draft of a timeline or a few documents is better than nothing.
Do not rely on memory alone. Dates, amounts, and names matter. Write them down.
Do not show up with a shoebox of papers or a crumpled napkin. Use a folder or binder. It does not need to be perfect, just usable.
Do not hide facts. Your lawyer can only help with the information you share. Surprises in court or during planning rarely work in your favor.
Do not wait until the last minute. The more time your attorney has before a deadline or hearing, the more options you will have.
