A first meeting with a family lawyer sets the tone for everything that follows. To make it productive, show up with a clear timeline, relevant paperwork, and specific questions. Preparation helps your both you and your lawyer to find the best outcome for you.
Table of Contents
- Before You Book the Consultation
- What to Bring With You
- What Happens During the Meeting
- The Lawyer’s Role
- Questions Worth Asking
- Signs That Something Feels Off
- What Comes Next
- Closing Thoughts
Before You Book the Consultation
It’s important to understand the nature of this meeting before you schedule anything. A consultation is not a commitment, it’s a conversation. You’re meeting to see if this lawyer is someone you trust to guide you through decisions that will affect your future, your family, and possibly your finances.
Some lawyers offer a free first consultation. Others charge a flat rate. It’s fine to ask about this upfront. It’s also completely normal to meet with more than one lawyer before deciding who to work with.
Remember, you’re allowed to be selective.
What to Bring With You
Start With the Essentials
Gathering the right documents in advance makes the meeting more productive. You don’t need to have everything in perfect order, but showing up with a basic timeline and key records helps the lawyer understand your position quickly.
Prepare to bring:
- Identification
- Marriage or separation agreements (if they exist)
- A list of major dates: marriage, separation, children’s birthdays, and anything else that matters to your case
- Financial records: income, debts, property, recent tax returns
- Any court documents or correspondence, if something is already in motion
If you’re gathering paperwork and are not sure where to start, MM Family & Divorce Lawyers has a helpful checklist approach during initial meetings that can make things less overwhelming. Most lawyers will appreciate it when you come in with even a rough timeline and essential documents on hand.
Think About What You Want
No one expects you to know the law, but it’s helpful if you’ve thought about your goals. These could include fair parenting time, financial support, or clarity around property division. You don’t have to map out a legal strategy. You just need to start the conversation from an honest place.
What Happens During the Meeting
You’ll spend most of the consultation talking. A good lawyer will listen carefully and give clear, straightforward feedback based on what you share. This is your time to ask questions, voice concerns, and begin to understand what your legal path might look like.
The Lawyer’s Role
At this stage, their job is to:
- Understand your situation
- Explain how the law applies to your case
- Discuss possible options for moving forward
- Make sure you’re informed before taking your next steps
You are not expected to know what to do next. That’s why you’re seeking legal advice in the first place.
Questions Worth Asking
These questions help you understand how the lawyer works and what you can expect if you move forward together:
- What experience do you have with similar cases?
- What are the likely legal options in my situation?
- What kind of outcomes should I realistically be prepared for?
- What is your fee structure, and how do you bill?
- Will I be working with you directly, or with someone else in the office?
Don’t hesitate to write your questions down beforehand. In the moment, it’s easy to forget what you wanted to ask.
Signs That Something Feels Off
You should leave the meeting with more clarity, not more confusion. If you feel dismissed, rushed, or pressured to make quick decisions, take that seriously. A consultation should feel professional and respectful, even if the conversation is difficult.
Here are a few signs that you might want to keep looking:
- The lawyer avoids answering direct questions
- You’re not given clear information about fees or process
- You feel talked over, not talked with
The goal isn’t just to find someone knowledgeable. It’s to find someone you can trust.
What Comes Next
After the meeting, take time to reflect. You don’t have to hire a lawyer on the spot. If you’re considering a few different professionals, take a moment to compare how each one made you feel—both personally and professionally.
If you do decide to move forward, your next steps may include:
- Gathering any additional paperwork the lawyer requested
- Signing a retainer agreement
- Discussing strategy and timelines
- Setting boundaries around communication and decision-making
This is also the time to think about whether mediation, negotiation, or litigation makes the most sense for your case. Your lawyer should explain the pros and cons of each based on your situation. If you’re curious about your legal options or want to learn more about how family matters are handled in Alberta, Legal Aid Alberta offers a helpful breakdown of family law services.
Closing Thoughts
Your first meeting with a family lawyer is less about making decisions and more about gaining perspective. It’s your opportunity to speak openly, understand your legal position, and decide if this is someone you can trust to represent your interests.
Taking the time to prepare helps keep the conversation focused and makes it easier for your lawyer to offer clear, relevant advice. What happens after that will depend on your goals, your situation, and the support you choose moving forward.
