When you go for your initial consultation with a lawyer, there are several things you can do to ensure you get as much information as possible from that first meeting. If the website (or the initial phone call) suggests materials or documents that you can bring to that first meeting, follow those instructions carefully. You don’t want to waste your time or money by showing up unprepared.
Try to think through your questions about how this divorce process is going to look ahead of time. It may be hard to organize your thoughts at this early stage; try writing down as much as possible. If you go in with a written list of questions, you’re less likely to forget to ask something important. By the same token, take careful notes during the meeting. You may even want to consider bringing along a support person to help you keep track of the details. Finally, if you leave the office with a packet of information, a book, forms to fill out, or anything else that will help streamline the process, do your homework thoroughly and carefully.
