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Get your questions answered - Call us for your free, 20 min phone consultation (510) 391-4142

  • By: Sandra Banks, Esq.
Legal advisor reviewing family law documents with a resident of Alameda County - Law office of Sandra F. Banks

In this article, you can discover…

  • How to get ready for an initial consultation with a family law attorney.
  • The ways an attorney can help you protect your financial interests.
  • What qualities to look for in a family law attorney.

How Do I Prepare For My Initial Consultation With A Divorce Attorney?

If you’re ready to file for a divorce, the first thing to do is to begin collecting financial documents, such as tax returns and bank statements, to bring to your first consultation. This will give your attorney a sense of your financial background and can help them plan toward negotiation and protecting your interests.

It’s also helpful to begin keeping a journal of things that the other party says and does. This can provide key evidence of your spouse’s behavior, interaction or lack of interaction with your children, and other key issues that could come up in court.

Bring these documents to your attorney; your lawyer can scan these documents and keep digital copies that you won’t have to keep track of, hide from your spouse, or worry about accidentally throwing out.

What Experience Does Your Firm Have Handling Divorce Cases In California?

I have 31 years of experience handling divorce cases. I’ve represented people with complex custody concerns, ample means which they’d like to protect, and people with few means who are in need of help.

As an attorney, my motto is “I’m here to help.” Everyone deserves excellent representation and a family law attorney who’s on their side. Divorce can be difficult, but we will move through this. I’m here to help you move forward, speak up for you at every step, and focus on your future and your life post-divorce.

How Will You Communicate And Keep Me Informed Of Updates During My Case?

I will keep in touch via email and text. When I receive a document that you need to see, I’ll forward you a copy and arrange a conference call to go over the document and answer any questions you have. You can also call me with any questions or concerns you have at any step of the divorce process, or simply to get updates on your case.

I’ll be sure to share my strategy with you; I’m here to help you and make the process as transparent and stress-free as possible. You’ll have a direct line to me from day one via phone, text, or email.

Can You Help Protect My Financial Interests?

In the process of divorce in California, community property is split in half. Community property is any property or money shared between you during the time you were married. However, if you owned something before you were married and kept this asset separate from your spouse throughout the marriage, you would be able to keep this in full.

Inheritance, too, can remain with you and will not be divided in the divorce. I’ll review your assets with you to help you determine what is communal versus individual property.

Here For You At Every Step Of The Way

My approach, first and foremost, is honesty. I am very upfront with all my clients and will be honest and transparent with you at every step. I will let you know if the strategy you’re proposing is not possible or legally sound. I will let you know if there are any possible concerns with your case, help you understand my strategy, and answer any questions you have along the way.

While many other attorneys won’t explain to clients why they’re doing what they’re doing, I’ll be sure to keep you on board throughout. I will represent you with a transparent, ethical, and practical eye on your future and financial well-being. While divorce can be difficult, we can and will get through this, and I am here to help.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on Working With A Family Law Attorney In Alameda County, CA, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (510) 391-4142 today.

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