Closing Thoughts: Your Initial Consultation

Meeting With A Family Law Attorney

During my initial consultation with a potential client, the approach I take is fairly straightforward. I start by asking them to tell me what’s going on. My goal in doing so is to get an overview of the situation so I can begin understanding the case and how I can help them.

My biggest piece of advice for you in this situation is to be honest from the very beginning. The more open you are, the easier it will be for your attorney to assess your case accurately and create a plan that works for you. While details are important, in the initial consultation, I’m looking for the big picture. There’s a good chance the lawyer you meet with will do the same, so don’t worry about diving into every small detail right away. You’ll get to that as your case progresses.

If I need specific details, I’ll ask targeted questions to get the information I need. My goal is to guide you through the process in a way that makes sense for your case and that starts with an honest and concise overview of what’s going on in your life.

As for what you should bring or be prepared with, the most important thing is to have a clear understanding of the issues you want to address. If there are documents related to the case, such as court orders, custody agreements, or financial statements, have them ready to discuss. But overall, the first step is just talking about your situation and being transparent so I can guide you from there.

Beyond The Initial Meeting

After our initial call, my firm’s process typically follows these steps. The goal is for it to be simple yet effective.

Explore Goals

We’ll ask you about your goals and expectations to ensure they are realistic and achievable. Sometimes, people have goals that the court would never approve, like wanting the other parent completely out of the child’s life without legal grounds such as abuse. It’s important to manage expectations upfront.

Discuss Costs

I explain that the cost depends on how cooperative the other party will be. If your spouse or someone in their family is confrontational, the legal process will become more drawn-out and expensive.

Retainer Agreement

If you decide to move forward with hiring us, we’ll send a retainer agreement. This is a standard contract that formalizes our relationship as your legal representative. We operate with an evergreen retainer, meaning you deposit an initial amount into our trust account, and we bill against it. You’ll be asked to keep this retainer replenished as the case progresses.

Jordana Better, a dedicated family law attorney at the Law Office of Jordana N. Better in California, has years of experience guiding clients through challenging legal situations with compassion. Her approach emphasizes honesty and open communication, helping her clients feel supported while they navigate their complex family law cases. She has helped several people by offering realistic strategies and ensuring they feel heard and understood every step of the way, all without sacrificing one ounce of her command of the law or drive to get the results they need.

If you’re seeking professional legal advice to protect your family's future, contact Jordana today for a free consultation

If you’re already in the middle of a case, we may also file a substitution of attorney to officially take over your representation.

Intake Form

After the agreement, you’ll receive an intake form. This includes basic details about you, your children, and your ex-spouse. If it’s a new case, like a divorce or custody matter, we need more detailed information, such as your child’s residence history for forms like the UCCJEA. If it’s a post-judgment issue, less information is required.

Team Meeting

Once all of the necessary paperwork is handled, I meet with my team to discuss the case. We assign tasks, often involving junior attorneys, and they will contact you to begin gathering necessary evidence, documents, and other information to proceed with your case.

Keeping You Informed And Calm

One of the key differences between my practice and many other family law attorneys is my approach to availability. Many family law attorneys maintain strict work hours and don’t provide their clients with access to them outside of those hours. I find that unreasonable, especially in family law, where most issues pop up outside of traditional office hours.

The busiest time for me is usually Friday afternoons, right before weekend custody exchanges. This is when emotions run high and, unfortunately, when many attorneys are off the clock. I believe it’s essential to be reachable when my clients need me most—whether it’s evenings, weekends, or even the middle of the night.

I give my clients my cell phone number and encourage them to contact me whenever urgent issues arise. While I may not always be able to take immediate legal action, I can guide them on how to handle the situation and sometimes reach out to opposing counsel if necessary. Many opposing attorneys don’t even share their personal numbers, which limits accessibility, to say the least.

I may not be an overly emotional person, but I understand the necessity of being available for you during these critical moments. My goal is to bring you peace of mind and timely advice when you need it most, which I think sets my practice apart from others. I truly prioritize being there for you when it matters most. I strongly believe doing this will help you feel more supported and reassured during an incredibly stressful time of your life.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on Family Law In California, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (888) 301-6777 today.