Guidelines for First Telephone Calls to Lawyers

Use these guidelines during your first telephone calls to lawyers to schedule your first meetings:

1. Print several copies of our Lawyer Evaluation Worksheet to keep track of the lawyers you call.
2. Find a comfortable and confidential place at home or work. Have your pen and worksheets nearby.
3. Take a deep calming breath and dial the first lawyer’s telephone number.
4. When the telephone is answered state your first name, that you’re looking for a family lawyer and that you’d like to speak with the lawyer. If a friend or another lawyer recommended you call, say this at the beginning of your call to make it a high priority.
5. If the lawyer isn’t available, leave your name and telephone number or ask for the best time to call again. If you leave a telephone number, make sure it isn’t a telephone your husband will answer. If you don’t leave a number, remember to call the lawyer again later.
6. Once you have the lawyer on the telephone, re-state your name, that you’re looking for a family lawyer to help you with legal matters, and ask the following questions:
   
   
   1. Do you know my husband or his family?
      
      If the lawyer knows your husband or your husband’s family, ask for an explanation of the relationship(s). If she cannot, thank her for the call, cross her off your list and call the next lawyer.
      
      If the lawyer doesn’t know your husband, ask her the following questions:
   2. Do you know my husband’s business partners?
      
      If lawyer knows your husband’s business partners, ask her to describe the relationships. If she cannot, thank her for her time, cross her off your list and call the next lawyer.
      
      If the lawyer doesn’t know your husband’s business partners, ask the following questions:
   3. Are you available for a consultation?
   4. Do you charge a fee for the initial consultation? If so, what is it?


7. If the initial consultation fee is reasonable and you felt comfortable during your conversation with the lawyer, schedule an appointment.
8. Prepare for your lawyer meetings by printing and reviewing our Initial Consultation Questionnaire.
9. If the lawyer isn’t available to meet, ask for recommendations for other family lawyers and call them next. If the lawyer can’t make any recommendations, call the next lawyer on your list and repeat the above steps.

This article is not legal advice. You should consult an attorney if you have legal questions that relate to your specific divorce.

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