Family Law

helping you in family court

Family matters & domestic relations

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What To Expect When You Meet With Your Attorney

Although your first meeting with your attorney may sound intimidating, it does not have to be! Generally, folks come to speak to us about divorce, or other adversarial situations, so we are very used to candid frank discussions on matters that can be a tad…delicate.

For matters that deal with divorce, or changing custody arrangements, there are a few “rules of thumb” that will make the meeting go much more easily.

First, never be afraid to call an attorney at East Coast Legal Group. We are a friendly and we are here to help you.

We welcome your call, and one of us, or our paralegal staff members, will be happy to answer your questions.

Secondly, be honest with us. This can be really challenging given the sensitive nature of many family law cases. However, over the time we have been doing this, we have learned that more often than not, the worst adversary we have is not the opposing side, but our own client who has held information back from us. Usually, failure to disclose information, leads to significant challenges in court and negotiations.

Examples of things you should be prepared to discuss with your attorney or law firm staff:

  • Arrests
  • Adultery or sexual promoscuity
  • Involvement with online dating sites.
  • Girlfriends/boyfriends or significant others that influence the case.
  • Protective orders (restraining orders and peace orders fall into this category, too!)
  • Prior judgments against you.
  • Prior marriages, or other relationships that are known to the other side.
  • Anything else that the opposing side might make a point of bringing up in court.

As surprising as this may sound, we have heard just about everything. Our goal is to protect YOUR interest, not in condeming or harassing you. We can’t protect you if we don’t know…so be honest with us.

Thirdly, when we ask for documents, please bring them and be ready to discuss them. Common requests (and you should come to your first meeting with these) include (for both husband and wife):

  • Pay stubs for the last 90 days.
  • Bank statements for the last 90 days (all accounts).
  • Credit card statements for the last 90 days.
  • Proof of ownership for any property.
  • Proof of ownership for any vehicles.
  • Information on any stocks or mutual funds owned.
  • Information on life insurance policies.
  • Information on retirement plans owned.

During your first meeting, the attorney will craft a plan that encompasses working with your ex-spouse, custody arrangements, pendent lite support, and general litigation strategy (as appropriate for each situation). If you have questions — ask!

Ready to start resolving your family law matters? Call or send us a message below for a Free Consultation.

General Overview Of Services:

Family Law CategoryDescription
Child Custody/DisputeManaging visitations, child support, and custody arrangements.
Separation Agreements & Asset DisputesDetermining assets, negotiating settlement and division, and defending against unjust taking.
Spousal SupportDetermining reasonable, fair spousal support.
Divorce ProceedingsLimited Divorce/Legal Separation and Absolute Divorce.
Abuse and NeglectWe help defend against abuse and neglect charges.
Protective & Emergency Court ActionWhen a spouse, child or domestic partner is subject to abuse or fearful for his/her safety, we assist in immediate protection and processing.
Foreign Spouse/Immigration IssuesOur firm has extensive experience working with illegal, out of status, or general family based immigration issues.
And much more!    The field of family law is vast — call us to discuss the particulars of your individual case.

“We fight for the families that we represent!”

Know Your Rights!

Contact the East Coast Legal Group to set up your Free Consultation