Marital strife often exists for many years before one person is ready to make the first step of contacting a divorce attorney. This first step is one that is filled with every emotion in the spectrum. Virtually all potential clients are extremely concerned, scared and saddened by the fact that their marriage is going to end in a divorce. Situations involving children can be especially difficult for most people. Even if you aren't sure that divorce is the route for you or your spouse, it never hurts to consult with a divorce attorney when you feel that trouble is on the horizon. Often times, potential clients come in for an Initial Client Consultation (ICC), and then later decide that they have not fully explored resolving their marital difficulties. Other potential clients know that divorce is their only option. So, whether you are unsure if you want to pursue a divorce, or if you have made up your mind and are ready to begin the process, it always begins with that very first phone call.

So, what can you expect when you call Williams Family Law to schedule an Initial Client Consultation? The first step begins with a conflict check. We take your name, your spouse's name, some other general information and perform our firm-wide conflict check. If our conflict check is clear, we schedule the ICC. For many people, they know the minute that they hear our receptionist's voice whether or not they will feel comfortable with pursuing an appointment with our firm. I have been told by many clients that our law firm's approach with potential clients is one that is unique, because we all really strive to make this first step as least painful as possible. We truly understand and feel compassion toward the difficult process that you are about to embark on. We understand the complex emotions and fears that come with making the first appointment with a divorce attorney.

Once the ICC is scheduled, clients are advised that they should bring as many pertinent documents with them to their meeting. Such documents would include personal tax returns, corporate tax returns, paystubs, bank account statements, legal documents and other documents of that nature. Our ICC's are designed to provide potential clients with as much information that is applicable to their unique situation. The more information that we know about your potential case, the more fruitful your consultation will be.

Every now and then I take a call from a client who is really unsure as to whether or not they want to go through with the ICC. I always remind potential clients that knowledge is power and that the decision to retain an attorney is completely up to them.

Let me leave you with this thought. The first step is always the hardest. We recognize this at Williams Family Law. Our job is to provide you with our expertise in the area of family law, whether you just want information about your rights or whether you are ready to file a divorce complaint the day you walk through our door. We are here to listen to you, advise you and hopefully ease the pain through the second, third and fourth steps during the course of a family law matter. Remember, the first step is always the hardest, but with the support of a committed team, like Williams Family Law, you won't be alone.