As a family law attorney, I understand why booking an initial consultation with one can be intimidating. Telling your story to a stranger is daunting enough, and you’re likely in the middle of a high-stress, high-stakes situation, whether that’s a divorce, child custody dispute, or an adoption. You want everything to go as smoothly as possible, and may worry the attorney won’t “get” your perspective, or that you’ll be pressured to make a decision that day.
But attending a consultation is not a binding agreement. You’re there for your benefit, and to decide if the attorney you meet with is the best fit for you and your case.
I’ve held countless family law consultations in Baltimore County and have seen what makes a successful first meeting work. Every case and client is different, so naturally, every consultation is different, too. But here is a general idea of what your initial family lawyer consultation may look like.
Let’s take a few steps back first. Before the consultation, I ask prospective clients to fill out an intake form. The form will ask general questions about you, your spouse, and/or children, including your job titles, income, employment, marital status, and whether you’ve had prior legal proceedings. The form also asks for a brief description of the current issue among other questions.
When you and I meet for the initial consultation, I will go over your answers on the Intake Form, ask you questions and to speak more in-depth about your situation and goals. I’ll introduce myself, the kind of attorney I am, and how family law works in Maryland. I’ll walk you through the possible ways we can proceed, including:
We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each mechanism, potential outcomes, and what you can expect for the hourly fee and necessary initial retainer. The idea of these dispute resolutions is that from Direct resolution to Litigation, your role in decision-making becomes less direct and the matter becomes more expensive.
You don’t need every single legal document or record in hand for the initial consultation. But relevant documents can clarify key events for your attorney and can make your first meeting more productive.
A detailed timeline of important events is more helpful than a long, winding narrative. If you have documents with specific dates showing changes in living arrangements, employment, or child-related events, that will help us move more quickly.
Before your family law attorney consultation, consider bringing copies of the following information if they are relevant to your case — or at least make sure they are readily available:
I do not need original documents at the consultation. Copies are perfectly fine.
And while it is tempting to consult AI for completing the Intake form or legal advice, I suggest leaving AI summaries at home. Most attorneys have already seen it all when it comes to AI, and it can give users unrealistic expectations. I would rather hear your perspective in your own words, not what AI says you should say.
Beyond initial get-to-know-you questions, when I meet with new clients, I typically ask them: What is your best-case scenario for a final outcome in your matter? What types of resolutions could you live with? How do you see this process moving forward?
The reason I ask? Many settlements aren’t intended to be winner-takes-all. For divorcing couples or other family law parties who want to avoid a courtroom battle, the outcome is designed to be a compromise both parties can agree on. We can also discuss if you want hard-hitting litigation, which is certainly a route we can take, but it will increase legal costs and certainly not guarantee an outcome. I walk people through realistic outcomes and possibilities, so they can assess which path aligns with their personal and financial goals.
When meeting with a family law attorney for the first time, don’t be afraid to ask questions and be selective. Approach it like an interview or blind date. You’re trying to discern if they’re the right fit for you, too.
While your attorney should bring up these points themselves, I recommend asking the following questions:
Be sure to write down what you want to share and ask beforehand so you don’t forget.
When a client decides to move forward with me as their attorney, I provide a retainer agreement that outlines the terms of representation. Once the agreement is signed and retainer is paid, I will begin working on your case.
If you decide not to move forward with an attorney, or are still unsure, take the information you learned to your next consultation. A second opinion can provide greater context and a clearer path forward.
Ready to start the conversation? You don’t need to have every answer or document ready before getting legal advice. Bring the information you have and a list of immediate concerns that I can help you with. I’m here to help you navigate this process with clarity, confidence, and less stress.
To discuss divorce, custody, support, or other family-law concerns in Baltimore County, contact the Law Offices of Kerri Cohen in Towson, Maryland, for your initial consultation today.
Disclaimer: Legal Information, Not Advice
The content in this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established by accessing or using this site. While we strive for accuracy, we make no warranties about the completeness or reliability of the information. Any reliance you place on the content is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this blog. Links to external sites are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. For personalized legal advice, please consult with a licensed attorney.