Client Checklist

To make the most of your time and money during your consultation, I suggest that you:

Come Prepared
Your time will be best utilized if you are prepared.

• If you have been served with a lawsuit, bring all papers you were served with and any evidence you may have (medical records, bills, etc.).
• Divorce consultation - bring 3 years of your income tax records, both spouses’ most recent pay stubs, any home and real property purchase and finance documents, most recent investment and retirement statements and the most recent debt statements.
• Real property consultation - bring all of your real estate documents, including the Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement, preliminary title report and home inspection report.
• Employment - bring letters, copy of personnel file, evaluations and contracts.

Be Truthful
Be prepared to tell all of the facts; the good, bad and the ugly. I can advise you best and plan the most advantageous strategy for your case only if I know all of the facts up front.

Ask Questions
I don’t expect you to know all of the answers so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Write them down and check them off as they are answered.

Some legal issues are complex and require legal research in order for me to render an opinion. In complex cases, research cannot be performed during the consultation. Facts and information are gathered during the first consultation, then I will perform legal research and, following the research, will consult with you again.

Discuss Fees and Costs
All consultations are subject to an hourly fee. Advance Fee Deposits are required in all cases accepted. The amount of the Advance Fee Deposit is set by Diane during the initial consultation and varies depending on a number of factors, such as the type and complexity of the case, the intensity of the discovery process and issues individual to your case.

A fee agreement will be prepared for all clients. Take time to review the agreement and feel free to ask questions about it at any time.

Seek Legal Advice Early
Success often isn't winning a lawsuit; success is avoiding a lawsuit or resolving the dispute before it erupts into a lawsuit.