For many people, the end of a marriage is a challenging time characterized by stress and uncertainty. The thought of calling a divorce lawyer to schedule a consultation brings with it a flood of anxiety and questions. This article will address some of the most common worries and questions as well as provide some insight as to what to expect during the consultation so that you can make the most of it.
The Purpose of a Divorce Lawyer Consultation
The main purpose of the initial consultation is for you to meet with a lawyer and decide together whether it is a fit to start a solicitor-client relationship. Generally speaking, the meeting will be a relatively informal conversation where you provide some information about your circumstances so that the lawyer can assess your situation and determine whether he or she is in a position to assist you, and provide you with some general information about the divorce process in Ontario. In most instances, lawyers will not be in a position to provide specific legal advice during an initial consultation as they will not have all of the relevant information necessary for them to do so. Think of this first meeting as an information gathering session for both yourself and the lawyer.
Finding A Divorce Lawyer You Trust
Of course, it is very important that the lawyer has the requisite knowledge and experience to handle your case, but it is also important that you feel comfortable with and trust your lawyer. Your lawyer acts as your advisor and your guide during a very stressful and uncertain time in your life, and sometimes even acts as a messenger between your spouse (or his/her lawyer) and you.
Unfortunately, at times during the divorce process, your family law lawyer may have to deliver bad news to you, or communicate something from your spouse that you do not want to hear; if you are not starting from a place of trust and confidence with your lawyer, this will be significantly more difficult. You will be relying on this person to guide you through an uncertain time, and as such, you should feel free to ask questions and get the information that you need to move through the divorce process in Toronto.
It’s also important that you feel comfortable with your divorce lawyer because you will often have to discuss sensitive topics such as personal finances and relevant details about the history of the relationship. A family law lawyer can only provide you with helpful and accurate advice if they are given all of the information from you that they require to do so. The initial consultation is an opportune time to determine whether there is the possibility for honest and open communication between yourself and your prospective family law lawyer.
What Documents Should I Bring?
Generally speaking, nothing is necessarily “required” outside of your photo identification, for the purposes of the initial consultation alone. Some people attend their initial consultations with no documents at all, and some people will bring court documents if a proceeding has commenced or copies of previously signed agreements. Typically, because the initial consultation is simply an introductory meeting, and not a time when the lawyer will provide legal advice, no specific documents are required at this time, and the lawyer will let you know what documents he or she needs to see prior to the next meeting. With that having been said, there are exceptions to every rule, and if you are asked by the lawyer (or a member of their staff) to bring certain documents with you to your meeting, you should do so.
What Information Am I Expected To Provide a Divorce Lawyer during my Consultation?
Often times, prior to your meeting, the lawyer will ask that you fill out some paperwork or forms with information about you and your situation. This information, is all kept confidential (regardless of whether you retain the lawyer or not) and is needed in order for the lawyer to assess your situation, and provide you with the information that you are requesting. Do not be alarmed if one of the pieces of information the lawyer requests is your spouse’s name and birthdate- this is simply to ensure that there is no conflict of interest and that your spouse has not previously consulted with this lawyer.
What Can I Expect From The Lawyer Consultation?
While lawyers do not generally provide specific legal advice during the initial consultation, you can expect to gain a better understanding of the overall process in the context of your circumstances. The lawyer may also discuss with you the retainer process if you are interested in retaining them, and they will do their best to answer any questions that you may have at that time.
This blog post is not intended to be legal advice and was written for general information purposes only. Consult with a legal professional at Kain & Ball to find out about your rights and responsibilities as a common law partner. The above information is NOT legal advice of any kind, and you should be sure to speak to a qualified family law lawyer about your specific situation. For more information, call us at 905-273-4588 or email us at contact@kainfamilylaw.com to book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our experienced divorce lawyers today!