What to bring to your first appointment
Before your first appointment, you’ll complete intake forms that give us the background to your matter. This guide helps you gather the information you need and prepare for the appointment. You do not need a complete set of records before seeking advice.
Start with your questions
Before the appointment, write down what you most want to understand. You may be considering separation, trying to agree on arrangements or responding to documents from another lawyer.
Your questions might include:
Does anything need attention immediately?
What are my options, and what would each involve?
What can we agree on ourselves, and what needs to be formalised?
Are there time limits I need to know about?
What further information is needed before you can advise me?
What would the next steps cost?
Your lawyer will explain which legal process applies to your situation.
Key dates and relationship details
When completing your intake forms, it can help to have these dates to hand:
When you began living together.
Your marriage date, if applicable.
When you separated, including any separation while living in the same home.
Any periods of separation and reconciliation.
Whether a divorce application has been filed or a divorce order has become final.
If you are unsure of a date, mark it as approximate.
Existing orders, agreements and correspondence
Bring copies of documents already affecting your circumstances. Depending on your matter, these may include:
Parenting plans, parenting orders or property settlement orders.
Financial agreements or child support agreements.
Family violence orders, Police Family Violence Orders, interim orders or restraint orders.
Court applications, affidavits, notices, subpoenas or other court documents.
Letters or emails from another lawyer, including any proposed agreement.
Flag any hearing date or deadline shown in the documents when you enquire. It may need attention before a routine appointment.
If you need advice about children
When completing your intake forms, consider your children’s current arrangements and any concerns you want to discuss:
Your children’s ages and where they live.
The time they spend with each parent and how changeovers work.
School, childcare, health needs and other commitments affecting their care.
What is already agreed and where there is disagreement.
Any proposed move or overseas travel.
Any concerns about the children’s safety or family violence.
The arrangements being followed may differ from what is written in an order or agreement. Explain both to your lawyer.
If you need advice about property or finances
When completing your intake forms, use the information you have about what you and your former partner own and owe, separately and together. This may include property, savings, vehicles, shares, business interests, trusts, superannuation and debts.
Recent bank, mortgage, loan and superannuation statements can help, along with information about income and any business or trust interests. Use the information you have; if a figure is an estimate, identify it as such.
Information about what each of you owned and owed when the relationship began and when you separated can also help, along with significant contributions such as an inheritance, redundancy payment or money received from family.
This is preparation for advice, not a complete financial disclosure checklist. Property matters involve an ongoing duty to provide full and frank financial information. Your lawyer can explain what further records are required.
What if you cannot get the documents?
Bring what you have and explain what is missing. If your former partner managed the finances or controls access to records, say so. We can help identify what further information may be needed and how it may be obtained.
Only gather documents you can access lawfully and safely. Do not put yourself at risk to collect paperwork, or delay seeking advice while trying to assemble a complete file.
If there is an immediate safety concern, a concern that a child may be taken away, or an approaching court deadline, seek advice promptly and explain the urgency when you enquire. In an emergency, call 000.
Your first appointment at PWB
The appointment usually takes about an hour and is charged at your solicitor’s hourly rate. Reception can tell you the current rate.
You can read more about what to expect and our fees.
To enquire about a first appointment, contact PWB Lawyers or call 03 6235 1111.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Your circumstances are their own; a first conversation about them is confidential and carries no obligation.
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When you’re ready, we’re here.
You don’t need to have decided what you want to do before contacting us. Call, email or request a first appointment. We’ll first check whether we can act for you, then get back to you to arrange an appointment.
What to expect at your first appointment