Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During the First Meeting

Whether you are pursuing civil litigation, seeking a divorce, or planning your estate, choosing an attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make. The right lawyer can help you attain your legal goals while saving you precious time and money.

You’ll need to ask the right questions to determine whether a prospective attorney will suit your needs. Here are some of the most important questions you can ask in your initial consultation.

How Will We Communicate?

Good communication is the key to any healthy relationship, and it is essential to building a successful case. Your attorney should be open with you about how long you should expect to wait before receiving a response to a question. You should also discuss which forms of communication you prefer to use. If you prefer to speak via telephone or FaceTime, but your lawyer wishes to keep most of your communication via email, you might need to find another attorney. If they are willing to be flexible depending on the situation, this might be a match that can work for you.

Do You Have Experience with Cases Like Mine?

Before you decide to retain a lawyer’s services, you need to feel confident that they have handled cases like yours. An attorney with relevant experience and knowledge will be able to fulfill the requirements of your case in a timely and effective manner. They will understand how the law works in your situation and how to apply it to your advantage. They will also be able to provide the compassion you need during what might be an overwhelming time.

What Is the Fee Structure?

Your attorney should be upfront about their fee structure so that you can determine whether you can afford to hire them. Depending on the type of case, some lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means you won’t have to pay them until they have successfully completed your case. Others may require an initial retainer plus an hourly rate and other fees.

If the attorney’s fees do not fit your budget, you may need to look elsewhere.

How Long Do Cases Like Mine Usually Take?

Each case is unique. The time it takes to complete will vary according to the circumstances at play. However, an attorney with significant experience in the relevant area of the law will be able to inform you how long cases similar to yours might take. They should be able to give you a rough estimate based on the information you give them at your initial consultation. They can also let you know if any potential issues might delay the process.

Will I Have to Go to Court?

Many people are understandably nervous about the prospect of a court appearance. Many cases may not require you to appear in court at all. However, if a day in court seems likely, your lawyer should be able to inform you what to expect. They will also help you prepare so that any court appearance can go as smoothly as possible.

Contact an Experienced Bedford Lawyer Today

If you feel wary about meeting with an attorney for the first time, the knowledgeable and compassionate lawyers at Hargrave Law, PC can put you at ease. Our legal team has over two decades of experience helping people across the Dallas-Fort Worth area with cases involving civil litigation, divorce, and estate planning. We are proud of our successes and committed to being transparent with our clients.

You can count on us to fight for your best interests every step of the way. Call us today or contact us online for an initial consultation so we can answer any questions you have.