We focus on estate planning, small-business matters and property agreements. Choose the subject you came here for, or put together a list of questions for an initial meeting.
An initial conversation is a chance to explain what you need, ask how the process works and discuss the next step. The proposed work and fees should be clear before anything starts.
Start with the broad subject and any timing you want to discuss. Ask about the intake process and how a consultation is arranged before sending documents or private details.
You may be making a will for the first time, reviewing documents you already have or planning around a change in your family. An initial meeting starts with what you want to discuss and the questions you need answered.
The scope depends on the work. Ask what the meeting will cover, what preparation is needed and how fees will be explained.
Matters to discuss
Wills and trusts
Powers of attorney and other planning documents
Reviewing an existing estate plan
Probate and estate administration inquiries
Questions for a first conversation
Does this matter fit the practice?
What information is needed before a meeting is arranged?
What does the consultation cover, and what does it cost?
What to prepare
Make a short list of the documents you already have and the questions you want to ask. Wait for document-sharing instructions before sending files. The worksheet can help organize your first few questions.
The worksheet uses broad choices only. Keep private details out of it.
Practice areas
Business matters
Starting a company and reviewing an existing agreement call for different conversations. Begin with the work you want to discuss, the stage your business is at and any timing that matters.
The initial inquiry helps establish whether the matter fits the practice. Before an engagement begins, the proposed work, responsibilities and fees need to be set out.
Matters to discuss
Starting or reorganizing a business
Business contracts and agreements
Working with partners or other owners
Arranging ongoing legal services
Questions for a first conversation
Does the proposed work fit the practice?
What background information is needed for the first meeting?
How will the scope of work, contact arrangements and fees be explained?
What to prepare
Write down the business question you want to discuss and the result you’re hoping to work toward. Ask what information is needed for intake. Wait for sharing instructions before sending agreements or business records.
Use the worksheet to organize questions about the meeting and the process.
Practice areas
Property & agreements
A purchase, a lease or an existing agreement can bring up questions you want to discuss before deciding what to do. Start by identifying the type of matter and the document or transaction involved.
An initial inquiry establishes whether the work fits the practice and what a consultation would cover. Document review is separate from that first inquiry; ask how it is arranged and how the proposed work is priced.
Matters to discuss
Residential or commercial property inquiries
Leases and other property agreements
Document review consultations
Questions about an existing agreement
Questions for a first conversation
Does this type of property or agreement matter fit the practice?
How should documents be provided if the office requests them?
What will the consultation cover, and when will scope and fees be explained?
What to prepare
Make a list of the documents involved and the questions you want to cover. Mention any timing when arranging a consultation. Ask how documents should be shared before sending copies. The worksheet can organize questions about that process.
The worksheet does not review a document or assess a transaction.
Before you call
You don’t need to know all the legal terms before asking about a consultation. Start with the broad subject, the work you want to discuss and any timing involved.
What a first inquiry can cover
The broad kind of matter you want to discuss
Whether the office is considering new matters
How the intake and consultation process works
How fees and the scope of work are explained
Whether meetings are offered in person, by phone or by video
Keep private details for the right channel
Ask what information is needed for intake and how documents should be shared. Keep confidential details for the appropriate channel.
Preparing a list of questions
Choose a subject and a meeting preference in the worksheet. It makes a short checklist covering fit, intake, meeting arrangements and fees.
For an actual legal concern, contact a licensed attorney through that attorney’s verified contact information.
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