How to Make the Most of a Divorce Lawyer Consultation

When you hear that you get a free consultation from a divorce attorney, it's smart to try to milk that appointment for all its worth. A sit-down meeting with a practicing attorney is extremely helpful. But, to be real, one divorce lawyer consultation in San Antonio, TX, is not going to get you before the judge. It's a great first step, and it's essential to know how to make the most of that initial meeting to steer your case to a positive outcome.

1. Be concise. Since most consultations are scheduled for between 30 minutes to an hour, it's pretty obvious that you're not going to be able to discuss the full history of your relationship woes with an attorney. It's going to benefit you most to briefly explain what led to the breakdown of your relationship, leaving out the minute details. Focus on the "big" things. Additionally, try your best to answer the questions presented by the attorney, without digressing into a wide range of other stories. The consultation period is a great time for an attorney to assess your situation and offer an overview of a possible strategy. But, you're not going to solve all of the problems during that initial meeting.
2. Expect generalizations. Your meeting is a consultation. No lawyer is going to lay out a strategic plan of action personalized to your case during that 30 minutes. He or she is going to briefly surmise over your case and offer up what seems to be a logical plan. Of course, due to the complicated nature of many divorces, the strategy may vastly change as you and the attorney have more time to collaborate.
3. Explain any special circumstances. The initial consultation is a perfect time to explain circumstances that make your case go beyond the cookie cutter divorce. If you have deep assets or difficult family situations, now is the time to bring them up, so an attorney knows, to some extent, what the case may involve.
4. Seek more than one consultation. Even if you really like the attorney you contacted first, get in touch with at least one or two more to compare the consultations you receive. It's never a bad idea to get a second opinion.
5. You get nothing for free. Avoid expecting that you're going to walk away from the divorce lawyer consultation in San Antonio, TX, with free legal advice that will help you win your case. A consultation is about communicating, not solving the case. That part comes later.