Because they involve some of the most important relationships in our lives, legal disputes between family members can be extremely complex and emotionally difficult. In these situations, a family lawyer can provide the valuable guidance you need, but many who have never hired an attorney before often find the prospect intimidating.

To make your initial consultation with a family lawyer as productive as possible, take a moment to:

• Collect Your Documentation: The more evidence you can bring to your first meeting, the sooner they can begin explaining your legal options and your range of expected outcomes. For instance, if you're meeting with a divorce lawyer you may want to bring financial records, bank statements, tax returns, and a copy of your prenuptial agreement, if applicable.
• Get Organized: The less time you spend looking for a specific document, the better. Try to arrange your papers by type, chronologically, or any other system that will allow you to quickly find a piece of evidence as soon as your family lawyer asks for it.
• Prepare a Timeline: When telling their story to an attorney, many people forget important details, skip forward, or have to fill in background details. To streamline the process while making sure your family lawyer has all of the information they may need, prepare a timeline which details important dates and developments in your legal situation.
• Write Down Questions: Your initial consultation is an opportunity for the attorney to evaluate your claim, but it's also your chance to collect information and ask questions. The outcome of your family law matter could potentially impact the rest of your life, so write down anything you need to know in advance.