What can I expect throughout the process?
When a person contacts Smith Debnam for help with a family law issue, he or she first speaks with a knowledgeable paralegal who will ask some questions about the case and can schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.
The consultation is an important step in the process. It gives the client an opportunity to ask detailed questions and evaluate if the attorney is a good fit for his or her case. When clients come in for the initial consultation, they need to bring any documents that are relevant to the matter. For example, clients should bring previous agreements or court pleadings that the attorney will need to review to advise them correctly. If they are coming in for a consultation to begin the separation process, clients should bring documents evidencing marital debts and assets.
Once an individual chooses to retain the attorney for his or her case, that client is assigned a paralegal to walk them through the process. That paralegal will assist the client with preparing the documents necessary for the court process, or work with him or her to gather documents necessary to negotiate settlement documents. The paralegal will also be in regular contact regarding approaching deadlines. The attorney educates clients about their rights and obligations and sets goals and milestones based on specific situations.
Being honest about all the details of the case from the beginning is essential to the process. We want all of our clients to feel comfortable with our attorneys and trust that they will guide them in the right direction and help make responsible decisions for each family.