Would you consider buying a house before you even look at it? It’s not exactly the wisest decision—and the same goes for hiring an attorney. Without knowing anything about the lawyer, it would be unwise to hire one without understanding exactly what type of legal counsel you may receive. A consultation will help you determine whether the attorney has the experience and the time to handle your matters effectively and efficiently. It will also give them time to hear about your issue and make a decision about whether they will be able to provide you with the assistance you need.
The first step to locating a proper assistance for your matter would be to research local attorneys who have experience in the area of law that is relevant to your issue. Hiring a criminal lawyer for a family law situation will leave you with inexperienced help and unsatisfying results.
Once you have found someone who practices in the relevant case area, call or contact the office and make an appointment at a time that works for you. Make sure you inquire about pricing; some attorneys may provide free consultations, but other may require a fixed fee depending on the circumstances.
For the appointment, make sure you bring all documents that you have related to your issue, including any papers you’ve received from the court. If you are not sure about what you should bring, call the office and ask in order to maximize your time with the attorney. The main purpose of this appointment is for you and your legal counsel to assess each other and the matter at hand to determine the best course of action for the situation.
During the appointment, feel free to ask any questions you may have and do not be afraid to discuss any uncertainties or concerns you might have about the overall situation. Asking about the fees and rates for the attorney’s services is also important to determine whether you can afford hiring him or her. After the appointment, you and the lawyer may want to review any notes taken during and make an evaluation whether or not you feel they will be a good fit for your matter, as well as whether the attorney feels he or she can take on your case.
Without the initial consultation, you may find yourself without competent legal expertise, which may put the outcome of your case in jeopardy. For assistance with your legal problems, no matter the issue, call us at (732) 422-1000. Borrus, Goldin, Foley, Vinguolo, Hyman, and Stahl, P.C., has the legal experience you need to handle your most complex issue efficiently and effectively.