The moment you’re told an attorney has been appointed to your case, it can feel a bit impersonal. Maybe you’re thinking, Who is this person? What are they going to do for me? Will they really care about what’s happening in my life? We get that. That’s exactly why the first conversation matters so much.
Whether you walked through our doors on your own or the court sent you our way, your first meeting with a Harris Firm attorney is a chance to turn uncertainty into connection—and questions into clarity. This isn’t just paperwork and pleasantries. It’s the beginning of a working relationship built on trust, communication, and shared goals.
Here’s what to expect when that first conversation begins.
🪑 We’ll Sit Down and Get to Know You
Before we talk strategy, court dates, or legal filings, we want to hear your story, who you are, and what brought you here. What you’re most concerned about. This is your life, your family, your future, and we need to understand what matters most to you.
We’ll ask questions about your background, your family situation, and your goals for the case. Don’t worry about having everything perfectly figured out, we’ll help you walk through it. If you’re nervous, we get it. We’ve met with hundreds of clients in your shoes, and we’re here to listen without judgment.
📂 We’ll Review Where Things Stand
Next, we’ll go over any court documents you’ve received (or ones we’ve been given by the court). That might include:
- A petition or complaint from the other party
- Notices from DHR
- Custody orders or emergency filings
- A summons or court date
We’ll explain what these documents mean, what’s expected of you, and what deadlines are approaching. No legal jargon. No rushing, just a clear, calm walk through what’s ahead.
🧠 We’ll Explain the Legal Process in Plain English
Let’s be honest, family law is full of terms and procedures that don’t make much sense unless you’ve been to law school. But we don’t expect you to speak “court.” We speak real.
We’ll break down:
- What your case is really about (in legal terms and practical ones)
- What the court will be looking at
- What could happen at each stage
- How long things might take
We’ll also talk about what we can and can’t control, so you’re not caught off guard along the way.
📋 We’ll Outline What We Need From You
A strong case takes teamwork. So toward the end of that first consultation, we’ll go over what we need from you to get started on the right foot. That might include:
- Copies of documents (court filings, text messages, emails, etc.)
- Names of witnesses or people who can support your side
- Any past agreements, parenting plans, or DHR paperwork
- Details about your living situation or finances (depending on the case type)
We may also recommend next steps like scheduling a drug screen, enrolling in a parenting class, or seeking documentation that helps support your position. We’ll explain why those steps matter, and how they’ll help us advocate for you.
🤝 We’ll Start Building the Relationship
Even though the court chose your attorney, you still deserve to feel like you’re working with someone who respects you and believes in your case. That’s why we don’t treat the first consultation like a one-way street. It’s a conversation.
You’re welcome to ask questions, express concerns, or even say, “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do here.” We’re here to answer, guide, and walk with you. Even if it’s not your first time going through the family court process, we’ll meet you with the wisdom and experience you’ve already gained, and do our part to make this time feel more supported and less overwhelming.
🌿 First Step, Firm Foundation
That first meeting is about more than just filling in blanks or ticking boxes. It’s about laying a foundation that helps you feel seen, heard, and prepared.
You might not have chosen this path, and you might not have chosen us, but, from the first conversation forward, you’re not facing this alone. You’ve got someone in your corner now. We’re ready to listen, to guide, and to stand beside you every step of the way.
