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03 Oct, 2024 by Lyz free
19 Sep, 2024 by Chandiliers
Sorry bums! What was I paying them for?
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16 Sep, 2024 by Russell williamson
12 Jan, 2025 by Anonymous
Over $6k in retainer for this guy to sit on his hands for 4 years. If you are a family in need of their help, find representation elsewhere. Luckily for me, I'm blessed, and have found representation that I can afford to go after this firm for negligence. Stay tuned as this will all be public record.There is zero slander here as everything has been documented for the past 4 years and I am more then willing to go public.
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23 Jan, 2024 by Brice
My experience with Bill Pemerton, a family law attorney in Hamilton County, Tennessee, has been profoundly disappointing and distressing. As I navigate through the complexities of family law, the importance of reliable, empathetic legal representation cannot be overstated. This review aims to provide an honest and detailed account of the service I received, or rather, the lack thereof, from Mr. Pemerton, with the hope of informing others and advocating for accountability in legal practice.
The journey with Mr. Pemerton's services began with a semblance of professionalism, but it rapidly deteriorated into a scenario marred by negligence and unprofessionalism. A glaring example of this was his audacious misrepresentation of a court date. This misinformation led me to undertake a needless five-hour journey, only to realize that no motion had been filed for my case. Such a grave error not only wasted my time and resources but also amplified the emotional strain I was already enduring.
In addition, Mr. Pemerton's approach to my case was marked by a conspicuous lack of accountability. His condescending attitude and attempts to cast doubt on the rationality of my claims were both unprofessional and unbecoming of a lawyer entrusted with such sensitive matters. This lack of empathy was particularly distressing given the gravity of family law cases, where the well-being of children is often at stake.
Furthermore, my requests for the transfer of my case documents to my new attorney, were met with what can only be described as a dismissive and nonchalant attitude. This disregard not only reflected a lack of professional courtesy but also a blatant disrespect for my rights and needs as a client.
In light of these experiences, I find it necessary to explicitly state that I cannot recommend Bill Pemerton for any matters related to family law in Hamilton County, TN. The cumulative effect of his actions - misinformation, negligence, and a general lack of professionalism - has not only caused me undue stress and inconvenience but has also impeded my pursuit of justice and fairness in a deeply personal and significant legal matter.
I hope this review serves as a cautionary tale for others seeking legal representation in family law. It underscores the importance of thorough research and due diligence when selecting an attorney, especially in cases as delicate and impactful as those involving family matters. My experience is a stark reminder of the profound impact a lawyer can have on their clients' lives and the paramount importance of integrity, empathy, and professionalism in the legal profession.
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13 Oct, 2020 by Joshua
My ex wife filed a frivolous dependency and neglect against me in which Bill was my attorney. Bill didn't leave a stone unturned in my case. We ended up winning the case!
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25 Oct, 2024 by Kimberly peter
I am thankful that Attorney Miller was on my son's case. This was our first time in a situation like this and we needed someone who we could count on to get the job done. She was professional, communicated well, and had my son's case dismissed before his court date.
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30 Mar, 2024 by Dan smith
Excellent attorney, will get you results guarenteed.
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30 Mar, 2024 by Jessica cruz
She was a wonderful lawyer, she got things done! She is very responsive, she will call you right away and text you back right away. No problem. She is really professional and very good at what she does. I couldn't be more thankful for her!!!
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25 Oct, 2024 by Kimberly peter
I am thankful that Attorney Miller was on my son's case. This was our first time in a situation like this and we needed someone who we could count on to get the job done. She was professional, communicated well, and had my son's case dismissed before his court date.
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30 Mar, 2024 by Dan smith
Excellent attorney, will get you results guarenteed.
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30 Mar, 2024 by Jessica cruz
She was a wonderful lawyer, she got things done! She is very responsive, she will call you right away and text you back right away. No problem. She is really professional and very good at what she does. I couldn't be more thankful for her!!!
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03 Oct, 2024 by Lyz free
19 Sep, 2024 by Chandiliers
Sorry bums! What was I paying them for?
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16 Sep, 2024 by Russell williamson
03 Oct, 2024 by Lyz free
19 Sep, 2024 by Chandiliers
Sorry bums! What was I paying them for?
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16 Sep, 2024 by Russell williamson
03 Oct, 2024 by Lyz free
19 Sep, 2024 by Chandiliers
Sorry bums! What was I paying them for?
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16 Sep, 2024 by Russell williamson
04 Oct, 2023 by Travis hudson
Please take my advice and stay away! Yes emails are $58 a pop. Yes they charge you $290-$330 per hour. Yes you have to deposit at least $1250-$1800 in retainer fees. Yes you do have to put $5000 in your retainer at court. No I was not happy with the outcome for $20,450.... that's right $20,450! Not for men for them! I wish I could charge them $100 per letter in this review.
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07 Aug, 2023 by C w george
I guess business is good. I'm on a waiting list for nothing more than a consultation
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25 Apr, 2023 by Joanna myers
The best around.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Lyz free
19 Sep, 2024 by Chandiliers
Sorry bums! What was I paying them for?
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16 Sep, 2024 by Russell williamson
30 Oct, 2024 by J d
18 Mar, 2024 by Robin flores
26 Feb, 2024 by Michael thomas
03 Feb, 2025 by Derek m. garcia sr.
Great representation
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31 Jan, 2025 by Gene
Kellen Potts helped guide me through the most difficult stretch of my life during my recent divorce. In my interactions with him, he was knowledgeable, realistic (didn’t promise anything ridiculously optimistic), easy to contact, and provided me with the information I needed to get the best overall outcome. Highly recommended if you’re in the unfortunate position to need his services.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Mary
All Glenna wanted was more money. She stretched out my amicable divorce out for two years. Every time I called her office to find out why everything was taking so long, I was charged and didn’t even speak to her. I felt like she used me. I ended up changing attorneys. I couldn’t afford her anymore.
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06 Dec, 2021 by Mike
Lucy helped me all through my case. There were so many twists and turns with my ex hiring lawyer after lawyer and Lucy plugged right through, handling everything and explaining to me what I needed to know in order for us to be a team. Absolutely would recommend in a heartbeat!
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14 Feb, 2021 by Stephen
Always accessible and on top of things. Very organized abs worked quickly. Emailed and called back whenever asked. Fair on billing.
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08 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Nothing good about this office. She is not a stable person. The work provided did was no where near up to par. Go somewhere else, the other reviews are very misleading.
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18 Jan, 2024 by Wells eady
I hired Tim Ballard for a child custody case during a sensitive period following the loss of our daughter to cancer. While Tim seemed personable, the service and value I received were unsatisfactory.
My experience with Mr. Ballard was costly and inefficient compared to previous attorneys. Over $8000 and nearly a year later, the only significant progress was one hour of mediation. The costs seemed excessive: $2000 for mediation prep and almost $100 for a brief email. Additionally, I questioned the 5.5 hours billed (Tim does his own billing and invoicing. One month I received several months billing all of a sudden) for mediation prep half billed on a day when Tim was handling another case.
Several months I’m still waiting on discovery questions, child support worksheet, and some bills of my ex spouse to be paid. All of which are “in the works”
Communication issues were persistent. I often had to rebrief him on basic case details, yet was billed for these updates. Despite being promised legal aid assistance, this help materialized late, failing to restore my confidence in the firm.
The process was drawn out, with mediation dates constantly delayed from May to July to November. I felt my case wasn't advocated for effectively, particularly in dealings with the opposing attorney.
Now in the process of switching lawyers, I'm disheartened by the substantial financial and time investment with minimal progress. I'm open to sharing more details with those considering this firm.
A major concern was the inefficient communication costing over half the total fees. I preferred meetings over emails for efficiency, but this approach wasn't adopted.
There were also missed opportunities, like enrolling my daughter in a new school, and periods where Tim was difficult to contact, though active on social media liking the opposing attorneys instagram posts.
In summary, I expected more empathy and proactivity in handling my case. This experience felt like a financial and emotional drain during an already difficult time.
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15 Sep, 2023 by Briyah and mariyah's world
They are never there and have a awful response time
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07 Aug, 2023 by Andrew breneman
Chris Varner does an incredible job. Go to see him for your legal needs!
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19 Mar, 2024 by Tony camp
Absolutely recommend
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25 Feb, 2024 by Elliot ortiz
I believe they did their best on my behalf. May God continue to Bless their practice.
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25 Feb, 2024 by Vwmo
Initially there was a person on my case that was professional and advocated for me very very well. I felt very protected because they were very competent... they were
Taking care of serious matters from the opposing side for me in my divorce wich was riddled with violence,threats, and harassment. Suddenly that person disappeared from the office with no explanation then I was Unfortunately made to deal with Mr. Purple who can not hear well at all anymore and has gotten up in age, as a result he has become extremely incompetent and belligerent! When I would respectfully ask for explanations or help I was met with him being rude and condescending. I was no longer protected at all! He was sometimes plain old DISRESPECTFUL which, was so disappointing because he had initially seemed very sweet. But I was wrong... he would be rude when he couldn't understand you because of HIS hearing loss and, it was very disheartening. He did not advocate for myself or my children properly in ANY way!! There were clearly unsafe situations and not once were we advocated for! There was no attempt to protect my children and it was disgusting because he gotten paid to protect us. Dealing with him was one of the most horrible experiences of my life..and it was an Extremely TRAUMATIC experience.He truly may have been amazing in his prime but those days are very far gone! .I have to be honest. I would not recommend working with Jim Purple!!! Run While you Still Can because We were mistreated and the only person that knows anything about what they're doing is the paralegal TOD..... I 1000% regret hiring JIM PURPLE WITH THE PURPLE LAW FIRM!!
* [footnote]
*I am a REAL Client but because of domestic violence I am remaining anonymous for myself and my children's safety
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15 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Sandra fought for my sister in an ugly UGLY custody battle and an appeal that would’ve bankrupted my sister if the other party had been successful.
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26 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
Will stand up in court and blatantly lie when there is proof. She also will deny having documents opposing party sent
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02 Nov, 2016 by Dusty
Excellent and professional. I had retained another lawyer and the divorce just dragged on forever with no forward motion. Sandy came in and saved me. She is always kind and available and she really took care of the little details that can trip you up later.
I HIGHLY recommend Mrs. Bott.
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14 Oct, 2023 by Elaine
Over the years, Mr. Habenicht has helped our family in several different matters. It is always a pleasure dealing with him. Not only is he knowledgeable in a variety of legal matters, he is kind and always explains things to us. He returns calls and makes himself available when we need him. I have and will continue to highly recommend him!!!
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04 Apr, 2019 by Amie
My experience with Mr. Habenicht bears no resemblance to the other reviewers. I've engaged him for services several times in the last two decades--everything from civil suits to will preparation to estate probate. I have found him to be professional, knowledgeable, ethical and reasonably priced. His services have been invaluable to me.
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22 Aug, 2016 by John laffrey
I had a very complicated divorce situation. Mr. Habenicht did the best he could to represent me. However, my wife's attorney misrepresented the facts and provided inaccurate and incomplete information to the Hamilton County Court. The Hamilton County Court based their ruling on the opposing attorney's material false statement and my case was dismissed in Tennessee. I'm disappointed in the Hamilton County Judge that dismissed my case because he listened to fabricated lies rather than the truth.
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07 Jul, 2019 by Adam
I had 3 charges. The worst he got dropped. Only charged 1/3 of every other atty wanted for the same case.
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30 Aug, 2016 by Billy wayne stoops
I had a court appointed laywer.He failed to file the writ of certiorari which stopped the appeal.The Tennessee Court of Appeals contacted the lawyer,they found problems in my transctript.
It was only 43 years later that I found this out.The state had no proof,no weapon,no money,and no witness's.The Tennessee Appeals
set aside my verdict and reinstated it to give the lawyer more time to file the writ of certiorari.If he had done so my sentence would
probably have been over turned and I would have been freed.He still never filed and the court agreed that I had ineffective assistance of counsel.
I am only asking to have this expunged from my record.I served the time all those years ago. You are that Lawyer. The Tennessee board of parole will not help unless you will send me a letter stating why you did not file the writ of cert. I spent four and a half years in prison for a crime I did not do. And 48 years later I am still being punished. I just want my record cleared. The Tennessee court of appeals set aside my conviction so you would have more time to file. They said in their judgement that they contacted you, But you still never filed. Please you can help and make a big different in my life
Thank you in advance for your time and trouble.
BILLY
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28 Nov, 2023 by Michele rogers
08 Aug, 2023 by Rich ferguson
Pamela ODwyer is one of the top lawyers in the state. Her assistant is also a top flight professional. If they cannot help you solve your problem, chances are high that they will know who can and be able to refer you.
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18 Jul, 2021 by Marsha allen
06 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
I did all the leg work on the case. It was like I didn't have a lawyer at all. He left the law firm during the case and went to work for the DA's office, which was a conflict of interest. I would not recommend this attorney.
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06 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Paty to help me in a divorce case. He would go over a week without returning my calls. When questioned about his lack of communication, he would not discuss it and ultimately the relationship was terminated. Although I had known him for years, I DO NOT recommend wasting your time or money with him.
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24 Dec, 2013 by Anonymous
This is one of the worst attorneys ive ever met. My husband was in an accident five months ago. Mr. Teeter does not return phone calls to anyone. My hubby was injured in the accident and my hubby was not at fault in anyway. The guy who hit him was 100% at fault. Teeter wouldnt even return the at fault guys insurance companys phone calls. When it came well past time for him to write a demand letter for attempting to settle he or his wanna be lawyer secetary wouldnt get it done.
I got irritated one day because i hadnt spiken to mr. Teeter since we hired him in august. I left a msg saying if i didnt hear from him we would have to fire him. So last week we got a letter from him quitting our case. But the reasons he gives makes it sound like our case wasnt valuable. He did send me a msg that al then he woulve taken 30% of that. In the end he wouldve been handing us a bill insteadd of a chev.
Im going to see what the insurane company wants to offer b4 we hire another attorney. Then if the guys insurace i know just the atty i will he was going to ask for was medical bills plus half of that amount. Our case is worth nearly 30k. But he was only going to ask for appx. 7k.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
