How to Prepare for Your First Consultation with a Family Law Attorney in Utah

Whether you are one of the 3.3% of Utah couples getting divorced or a couple planning to adopt, you should hire a competent, reliable Utah family law attorney. A seasoned lawyer will help you navigate the legal system without feeling overwhelmed and save you from making mistakes that might have long-term consequences.

Finding the right family law lawyer in Utah can be easy enough if you know what to ask. Fortunately, many lawyers offer a free consultation, which presents you with the opportunity to clear your doubts and see if you feel comfortable talking to the lawyer.

But since this consultation has time limits, you need to know exactly what questions to ask a family law attorney to make the most out of it.

Let’s start by understanding what family law attorneys do.

What Do Utah Family Law Attorneys Do?

When you think of Utah family law attorneys, the first thing that comes to your mind is divorce. But family lawyers do a lot more than that.

Their role often includes but isn’t limited to:

Child Custody and Support
Modification of Divorce Decree
Guardianship and Conservatorship
Paternity Action
Adoption
Estate Planning

Whatever it is you need a Utah family law attorney for, they will take care of legal paperwork and court proceedings. They will also help you understand your legal rights and the implications involved in your case after the first consultation.

What Do You Need to Know Before Your Consultation?

You should have a clear idea of what you want before you call a Utah family law attorney for free consultation. Whether it’s child custody & support or adoption, clearly state what you need from the lawyer, and they will provide you with the right advice.

Additionally, take documents related to your case with you when meeting the lawyer for the first time. For example, if you are getting divorced, you might need documents like:

financial documents (tax returns, pay stubs, credit reports, bank statements)
legal documents (marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, and any other legal documents)
communication recordings between you and your spouse

Be Honest and Transparent

Be open and honest when you meet a Utah family law attorney for a free consultation. Whatever it may be, share all the details about your case with the lawyer but keep your emotions in check when doing so. For example, if you are filing for a divorce, avoid speaking ill of your soon-to-be ex.

Stating the facts helps your lawyer understand your situation. They can analyze every aspect of your case effectively and provide the right legal advice. Keeping things from your lawyer or exaggerating them might land you in hot waters later.

What Questions to Ask a Family Law Attorney in Utah?

As mentioned, first consultations often have time limits. Knowing what you want to ask your lawyer can help you get the most out of it.

Here’s a list of questions to get you started:

1. Have You Handled Cases Similar to Mine Before?

Utah family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, or adoption cases. But no two cases are the same. This question will help you understand if the lawyer has handled cases as complicated as yours.

2. How Do You Plan to Handle My Case?

While the lawyer cannot spell out a detailed legal strategy in your first meeting, asking this question will help you understand their overall methodology. It’s a great way to know whether their approach aligns well with your future expectations and goals.

3. What Will Be the Potential Outcome of My Case?

Depending on your case, there might be more than one possible outcome. Asking this question will help you manage your expectations well in advance.

4. How Can I Keep in Touch with You?

While some Utah family law attorneys may be available on the phone, others will prefer email communication. Whatever it may be, asking this question helps you understand how to reach out to them when needed.

5. How Will You Keep Me Informed About the Progress of My Case?

Learn how the lawyer will keep you in the loop about your case. On-time communication means you can prepare for the next stage of your case well in advance.

6. How Long Do You Expect My Case to Take?

Legal proceedings are complicated and can be time-consuming. Nonetheless, you can ask your lawyer how long your case will take, whether it’s a divorce or paternity action. Knowing a rough timeline helps you make necessary arrangements, including a budget.

7. What Should I Bring to Our Future Meetings?

Ask your attorney if they would require any additional documents when you meet them next. Lawyers need all the required documents to study your case and complete the legal formalities.

8. How Much Will This Cost Me?

Most family law attorneys in Utah work on an hourly rate, while some may charge a flat fee, especially for simple legal matters. Ask the lawyer if they charge a retainer fee and what costs are included in their fees. Understanding the payment structure and overall expenses can help you plan your finances.

The Next Step

After the first consultation, think about how you felt during the conversation. Did the lawyer make you feel at ease? Was the lawyer honest with you just as you were with them? Did they listen to your queries? Did they provide you with realistic answers?

You would want to choose a family law attorney in Utah who makes you feel comfortable. But they should also:

Meet your legal needs
Have an excellent track record
Be honest about potential outcomes and fees

Conclusion

Choosing the right Utah family law attorney is necessary, whether you are getting a divorce or want to modify your child custody agreement. A competent, skilled lawyer provides invaluable insights and helps you manage your expectations. With these tips, you can use the free consultation to decide if the attorney is the right fit for your case.

Henriksen and Henriksen offer a free consultation. We’ve been serving clients in Utah for over 60 years with compassion. Contact us today to see how we can help you.