Eight ways to get the most out of an introductory meeting with a lawyer in an Edmonton law firm

Arrive with an open mind and willingness to listen.
Speak freely. Anything you say to your lawyer is confidential.
Be truthful. Anything you hide from your lawyer makes it harder for him or her to represent your interests and achieve a favourable outcome.
Bring any legal documents related to your legal matter.
Bring your financial disclosure, including tax returns, notices of assessment and reassessment, paystubs, etc. Bring the same information for your spouse if your legal matter involves child or spousal support.
Don’t bring your children. The babysitting fee is a small price to pay for a distraction-free meeting with your lawyer. If you have a question about child or spousal support, we need to know both yours and your partner’s incomes.
Make sure your lawyer knows how to reach you at any time and knows in advance of any vacation plans.
Never take any action related to your legal matter without first talking to your lawyer about the implications

“Success in any legal matter is more likely when there is good cooperation and communication between the client and the lawyer,” says Mr. Najmeddine. “It is never a good idea to leave everything to the lawyer. That just means costs and timelines will be inflated.”

Thinking ahead to the day after your divorce is granted

The entire divorce process will be easier if you take into account what your life will be like after you get divorced. “The damages created by a hotly contested divorce can have negative repercussions for years after the papers are signed,” notes Edmonton divorce lawyer Belal Najmeddine. “You can win the battle, but lose the war.”

Better results are likely if both spouses work toward a divorce solution that works in the long term because it provides good answers for all of the following questions:

Where will the child live?
How will decisions about their care be made?
How will the parents share the child’s time?
Will child support be required, and if so, who will provide those funds?
How will the property be divided?
How will debts be divided?
Does one spouse need financial support, and can the other spouse provide that support?
Will the family home be kept, and if so, who will live there?
Can the spouses live separately under the same roof?

Learn more by requesting your free introductory consultation with the Edmonton Law Office family lawyers.