Suggestions For Your First Appointment With Linda J. Claypool To Discuss Your Case:
The length of the consultation varies. The attorney wants you to have a good understanding of how the legal process works, so watching the clock is the last thing on her mind.
It’s extremely helpful if you bring your documents with you. This assists Linda Claypool in providing you with the most specific and detailed legal advice possible.
Suggestions on what to bring with you:
- If you’ve been served by the opposing party, be sure and bring everything you received with you.
- Bring your most recent Income Tax Return, including W-2s for both yourself as well as your spouse (if you’re married.)
- Your last two months pay stubs.
- The opposing party’s pay stubs if you have them, as well as their W-2.
- Bank statements for all checking, savings, credit union and other deposit accounts that you are aware of.
- Retirement statements for both yourself as well as for the other party.
- Credit card statements, as well as statements for any other debts that you are aware of.
- Real property information, such as a copy of the Deed, mortgages statements, and other documents relating to any encumbrances that may exist against the property.
- Any other documents that you may have questions about.
- List of questions that you have. Often times you’ll think of things you want to ask, only to forget when you’re here in the office. So it’s extremely helpful if you start writing them down and bring that list with you.
If it’s an ongoing case:
- Court documents, referred to as “pleadings”, which includes everything that has been filed with the Court that you have in your possession. Often times it’s necessary to look back at what’s happened in the case to determine how best to proceed.
- If your matter is to modify, or change, something that was already addressed by the Court, then all Orders, including Judgments, that have been filed.
Last, but definitely not least, a family member or friend. There’s a lot of information to absorb. Having the emotional support of a loved one, as well as another set of ears to take it all in, is invaluable. So do not hesitate to include them.
When in doubt, please don’t hesitate to ask us. When you schedule your appointment, or when we call to confirm, we are more than happy to go over the suggested list with you to ensure you’re prepared — it helps both of us!