Skip to main content
(866) 465-5395 Schedule a Consultation (866) 465-5395 Schedule a Consultation

What to Bring to A Child Custody Consultation

| |

Before a client and I decide to work together on a child custody case, we meet for a forty-five minute to an hour long initial consulation to get acquainted.  Usually, we use the time to discuss the facts, go over the legal process and review any questions the potential client may have.  I always encourage clients to come prepared to a consultation, otherwise I may not be able to best advise them.  A potential client should always bring the following to get the most out of our time:

1.  A list of questions

A client should use the consultation as a time to get the most information they can and share the most they can before they initiate the legal process.  Making a list of questions can help keep you organized during what can sometimes be a stressful meeting.  When it comes to talking about their children, potential clients sometimes forget what they really want to ask.  Whether you write your list on a piece of paper or type it into your phone, having questions can help jog your memory.  

2. Legal documents (court orders, marriage or birth certificates)

Has there been a custody order already entered by the court?  Is there an upcoming court date?  Bringing any and all legal documents that have already been issued by the court can help your attorney get the full picture of what has been happening before you met with him or her.  Since we deal in these documents all the time, it is easier for an attorney to review them directly rather than have a client try and explain what happened in terms they may not be familiar with.

3. Financial or Expense Documents

Often times child custody cases are linked to child support cases.  If that is true for you, it helps to bring financial documents that show any expenses related to your child.  This can be tuition bills for private school, day care or summer camp.

4. “Incriminating” Evidence

In order for your lawyer to work as best as possible on your behalf, he or she will need to know the whole story, not just the good parts.  If there is information that you think he or she will need to know about you or the other party, the initial consultation is the time to bring it up.  This can be text messages, videos, social media posts, or emails.  Anything that your attorney can sort through and determine if it is useful for your case.

Most importantly, bring an open mind to your consultation.  You have sought professional assistance for a reason.  Trust in your attorney, listen to what he or she has to say and be honest.

Client Testimonials

They are amazing! I highly recommend anyone that is in need of assistance with child support hearings to seek out the expertise and experience of this law firm and staff! They handled my case quickly and I feel that my money was put to good use. Much appreciated! Nothing less than five stars!

Alana Deverson

I just want to say GREAT JOB! She is a no nonsense professional with years of experience that qualifies her as a skilled Family Law attorney. She is seasoned, sensitive, and most of all she cares. She made things easy for me. Definitely recommend!

Kimberly Colby

Overall I was pleased with the results of my divorce case. The entire Petrelli Previtera team truly cares about their clients. Luckily for me, I was paired up with an amazing team helping all the way. If you happen to work with this firm and with the lawyers you’ll be in great hands. It was such an excellent service and it was beyond I expected.

A Family Law Client Chevy Chase , MD

Serving Clients at the Following Locations

Bethesda4800 Hampden Lane, Suite 200 Bethesda MD 20814(301) 234-7409view details
Maryland5425 Wisconsin Ave Chevy Chase, MD 20815(301) 889-8085view details
ChicagoTwo Prudential Plaza 180 North Stetson Suite 3500 Chicago, IL 60601(312) 252-2085view details
Schaumburg1750 E. Golf Rd, Suite 382 Schaumburg, IL 60173(630) 491-9670view details
Texas500 W 2nd St Suite 1900 Austin, TX 78701(512) 883-1684view details
Washington DC1717 K Street NW, Suite 900 Washington DC 20006(202) 519-0366view details
Denver7900 E. Union Ave. Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80237(720) 821-6440view details
Princeton475 Wall St, Suite 214, Princeton, NJ 08540(609) 917 9560view details
Linwood210 New Road #15 Linwood, NJ 08221(609) 375-0351view details
Parsippany8 Campus Dr, Parsippany, NJ 07054(973) 310-5320view details
Philadelphia1845 Walnut Street 19th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103(215) 523-6900view details
Montgomery County516 DeKalb Street Suite C Norristown, PA 19401(610) 924-2870view details
Doylestown123 N Broad Street, Doylestown, PA 18901(267) 938-4480view details
Abington1147 Easton Road, Abington PA 19001(610) 890-4833view details
West Chester203 W. Chestnut St., Suite 204
West Chester, PA. 19380
(610) 431-4012view details
schedule a consultation Today
Contact Us Fill out the form or call us today (866) 465-5395