Consultation

Why Does Schmitt Law, PLLC Charge For An Initial Consultation?

March 13, 2023 By Laurie Schmitt

Schmitt Law, PLLC receives many calls requesting a free consultation. Most people accept that attorneys charge a fee for their time. But callers still believe they shouldn’t have to pay for a consultation, because they can obtain a free consultation from other attorneys.

A paid consultation avoids time-wasters — and here’s why Schmitt Law, PLLC charges for their initial consultation:

TIME IS A LIMITED COMMODITY

When you hire Schmitt Law, PLLC, you receive personal service and prompt replies to your communication. In order for us to provide the level of service that you deserve, we can’t afford to tie up our time giving free legal advice.

SHOPPING SPOUSES

It’s not unheard of for spouses to shop attorneys. This means your spouse may seek consultations with numerous attorneys in an effort to limit your options when you go to hire an attorney. Once a family law attorney has met with you or your spouse, they are barred from meeting with the other spouse. Charging a nominal consultation fee is often a deterrent to this behavior.

QUALITY OF THE CONSULTATION

The old saying is you get what you pay for. At Schmitt Law, PLLC we want to provide you with the best advice possible at your initial consultation. In order to do so, we need to have a complete picture of your situation. So that we may properly analyze your case, our consultations are one hour (or more).

JUST LOOKING FOR FREE LEGAL ADVICE

At Schmitt Law, PLLC, we want to meet with people serious in retaining our firm. So often people want a free initial consultation as they believe that if they obtain enough information, they can run their case on their own. We have no intention of wasting your time, or overselling you on services you do not require. And in turn we do not want our time wasted. If you are looking for general advice, please review our blogs and website.

At Schmitt Law, PLLC, after reviewing the facts in your case, we will provide you with a detailed explanation of your rights as it pertains to divorce. We will help you to obtain the information you require to help you move forward.

GRAND RAPIDS DIVORCE COLLABORATIVE ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.

If you need to know more about a Michigan divorce, including how to file for a divorce, contact an experienced attorney, Laurie Schmitt at Schmitt Law, PLLC. Schedule your consultation today with a dedicated attorney. We look forward to speaking to you and being your advocate during this crucial time in reframing your life. Contact Schmitt Law, PLLC online or call (616) 608-4634 to arrange a consultation.

Can My Spouse and I Attend The Initial Consultation Together If We Agree On All The Terms of Our Divorce?

January 3, 2023 By Laurie Schmitt

THE SHORT ANSWER: NO

Even if you and your spouse agree on the terms of your Judgment of Divorce prior to filing for your divorce, you still may not attend a consultation together with Schmitt Law, PLLC.

TO ELABORATE…

The reason why Schmitt Law, PLLC will not meet with both parties at the initial consultation is that ethics prohibit an attorney from representing both parties in a divorce. If both parties meet with Schmitt Law, PLLC, both parties may naturally believe their interests are being represented by Schmitt Law, PLLC. And, in the State of Michigan that simply cannot be the case. The rule is that an attorney can serve only one master.

BUT WE REALLY HAVE AN AGREEMENT AND DON’T WANT TO START A FIGHT

It may be true that you and your spouse have worked out all of the details of your divorce agreement. However, it is not unheard of for one or both spouses to change their minds after filing the divorce. And, if your case takes a turn, and litigation is required, who does the attorney who provided you and your spouse the initial consultation really represent?

Before you sign your Judgment of Divorce, you may want to ask questions of an attorney privately. But you are concerned that your spouse will think you want to “fight” in court. However, seeking a consultation separate and apart from your spouse should not translate into litigation.

And, if your agreement is durable, it’s not likely your spouse will believe that because you wish to consult with an attorney, the deal is off, or believe you are seeking to enter into a litigated divorce.

WHAT ARE OUR OPTIONS?

If you and your spouse know that you will be able to maintain civility through the divorce process, then we may take a “team approach” to your divorce as follows:

You would have an initial consultation with Schmitt Law, PLLC
Once you retain Schmitt Law, PLLC as your counsel, then we may begin working as a team to file and complete your divorce.
You and your spouse would decide when to file the divorce
You and your spouse would provide the details of your agreement to Schmitt Law, PLLC
Schmitt Law, PLLC would prepare the Judgment of Divorce to comport with your agreement
You and your spouse would review the Judgment of Divorce, and provide Schmitt Law, PLLC with any changes you require
Once we have finalized the Judgment of Divorce, you and your spouse would sign it
Once the Judgment of Divorce has been signed, Schmitt Law, PLLC would schedule the final hearing
Once the Judgment of Divorce has been signed, Schmitt Law, PLLC would schedule the final hearing

Note that the “team approach” may only take place if your spouse does not retain an attorney of their own. If your spouse retains an attorney, we would be unable to work as a team, and communication would take place between Schmitt Law, PLLC and your spouse’s attorney.

A GENTLER DIVORCE. GRAND RAPIDS COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.

At Schmitt Law, PLLC we encourage clients to take a more collaborative approach to divorce that promotes positive communication and cooperation. Through mediation or the collaborative divorce process, Laurie guides her clients through amicable divorce settlements so they can move forward with their life. Contact Laurie at (616) 608-4634 to schedule a consultation to discuss the collaborative divorce process and how it can benefit you.

What is a Pre-Filing Strategy Meeting?

August 5, 2022 By Laurie Schmitt

After the consultation, many clients contact Schmitt Law, PLLC for a pre-filing strategy meeting. What is a pre-filing strategy meeting and how can it help you?

WHAT IS A PRE-FILING STRATEGY MEETING?

A pre-filing strategy meeting is more in depth than an initial consultation. Consultations are broader in nature, whereas pre-filing strategy meetings focus on specifics…what you should do to prepare for your divorce filing.

WHAT DO WE TALK ABOUT IN A PRE-FILING STRATEGY MEETING?

These conversations are designed to meet the individual needs of each client. We may discuss financial issues, how to protect your assets, and other topics of concern to the client.

Most of all, we talk about what matters most to you – what your greatest concerns are.

HOW CAN A PRE-FILING STRATEGY MEETING HELP YOU?

In a pre-filing strategy meeting, we will outline what you should be doing before the divorce filing, and how you can avoid pre-filing mistakes that may harm you later in your divorce. It’s better to start your divorce on the correct foot, than to pay the price in front of judge for making a bad decision before filing.

CAN I/SHOULD I?

Clients have many questions about what they can or should do before filing for a divorce. Many of these questions require more information than can be covered in an initial consultation. That is why a pre-filing strategy meeting is valuable.

The following are examples of questions presented to Schmitt Law, PLLC in a pre-filing strategy meeting.

Before filing the divorce …. “CAN I/SHOULD I”:

Buy a new car?
Withdraw money from retirement accounts?
Change beneficiaries on life insurance policy?
Remove your spouse from your health insurance policy?
Sell real property and retain the proceeds?
Sell personal property and retain the proceeds?
Give personal property to friends and family?
Continue using credits cards?
Open new credit cards?
Change employers, reduce, or increase my hours, or quit?
Pay off debts that are solely in your name?
Take out loans?
Refinance the marital home?
Take out a home equity loan?
Do major renovations in the marital home?
Clean out the house and garage – downsize the junk?
Have a garage sale?
Donate household items?
Make changes to my tax withholding’s or retirement deductions?
Purchase a new house?
Move into an apartment?
Move and take the children?

If you find yourself prepared to move forward with your divorce, and have concerns as listed above, a pre-filing strategy meeting may be valuable to you.

EXPERIENCED DIVORCE ATTORNEY

At Schmitt Law, PLLC, we are here for you each step of the way in your divorce. From planning your first steps, to approaching your separation, to helping you understand your rights, to signing the final documents. We can help you navigate the separation and divorce process. To get started today, book a consultation online or by calling Schmitt Law, PLLC at (616) 608-4634. Whenever you are ready, we are here for you.

Paying For a Consultation

April 22, 2022 By Laurie Schmitt

Many people struggle with attorneys that charge for consultations, and only seek out attorneys who provide a free consultation. What the consumer should know that there can be significant differences between a free consultation and a paid consultation.

What are those differences? A free consultation may be shorter in duration, only providing very generic, broad stroked information, and failing to provide any legal advice specific to your case. In a consultation with Schmitt Law, PLLC, you will be given an hour of time, and will receive detailed legal advice specifically directed to your legal issues.

Why does Schmitt Law, PLLC have a fee for consultations? Schmitt Law, PLLC believes that if you are going to spend your valuable time interviewing with an attorney, you should receive specific legal advice about your case – legal advice tailored to you.

When you meet with Schmitt Law, PLLC, you will receive a one-hour consultation to include:

A review of the facts in your matter.
A review of your legal documents, orders, and/or agreements.
An explanation of the administrative court procedures in your case.
The legal issues defined.
An explanation of the potential outcomes in your case: what are you facing in your case.
An explanation of your legal options: we will discuss a strategy to help you get the results you are looking to obtain.
An estimate of the total costs of your case.
And most of all, we will talk about what matters most to you – what your greatest concerns are.

A consultation with Schmitt Law, PLLC will provide tremendous value to you in that you will understand the law as it pertains to your specific case. And, during this consultation we will craft a plan for you to move forward to achieve the results you seek.

CONTACT SCHMITT LAW, PLLC FOR GUIDANCE

Laws surrounding divorce can be complex. We invite you to call Schmitt Law, PLLC to learn more about your rights as it pertains to divorce. An attorney with experience in Michigan divorce laws can ensure your divorce does more than meet the letter of the law. With legal counsel, you will be better protected from agreeing to less than you are entitled to. From parenting time to spousal support, we at Schmitt Law, PLLC can advocate for a fair divorce so that you can start the next chapter of your life. Our goal is to assist you to emerge from your divorce in the best possible position. For skilled legal guidance, please call Schmitt Law, PLC at (616) 608-4634, or contact us online to arrange a consultation.

Preparing For The Initial Consultation

December 31, 2021 By Laurie Schmitt

You made the appointment for your initial consultation and now wonder what you should bring to the first meeting with the attorney. For the attorney to prepare a snapshot of your case, you should be prepared to answer questions regarding your finances and property holdings. To make the most of that first meeting, I suggest having the following information and/or documentation with you:

List of all bank accounts. Provide account numbers, current balances, and statements for the last three months for each account. (savings, checking, CD’s, credit unions)
Copies of titles and registrations for all vehicles, boats. etc.
Blue book values on all vehicles and boats. Print reports for private party values for each vehicle and/or boat.
Warrant Deed and statements reflecting mortgage balances owed for all real estate.
Copy of Appraisal for home (if recent).
Copies of life insurance policies.

learn more about laurie

Most recent property tax statement and any recent appraisal reports for all real estate.
Statements for each retirement account statements (401k’s, IRA’s, 403B’s, pensions, profit sharing, etc.).
Statements for investments (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.).
Information for inheritance received during the marriage.
List all credit cards and other debts (mortgages, car loans, home equity lines of credit) indicating whether joint or individual, and balance owed, and provide copies of statements for the last three months for each.
Documents for all other indebtedness.
Any financial statements recently prepared (ex: for loan applications).
Recent paystubs for both spouses.
The last three years’ tax returns with W-2’s and schedules attached.
Business interests, corporate stock certificates, etc.
Franchise agreements.
Employment Contracts.
Lease agreements.
Copy of household budget if used.
Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements.
If you have children under 18:
- Verification of yearly daycare costs
- Information on, or copy of, current health care cards
- Cost of employer provided health insurance with breakdown for costs for self and cost for self with family
Often, attorneys do not need to review all of these documents at the initial interview. However, having the information in your hands during the first meeting will assist you in answering questions regarding your finances. And the more specific the information you can provide to the attorney, the better the legal advice will be.

For more information about your rights as it pertains to divorce, contact me, Laurie Schmitt, Attorney at Law, at Schmitt Law, PLLC, by calling 616-608-4634.

How to Prepare for the Initial Consultation with a Divorce Attorney

July 19, 2021 By Laurie Schmitt

You’ve made the decision to seek advice from a divorce attorney. You’ve made the appointment. What preparation should you take to use your time efficiently at the consultation? The initial consultation various from attorney to attorney. However, most divorce consultations include a discussion of the divorce process, custody, parenting time, financial matters, and attorneys fees and costs.

So how should you prepare for this consultation? There are many steps you can take to make sure your first meeting is as productive and useful as possible.

Prepare a list of questions. Many clients are unsure what to ask, or are so overwhelmed they simply forget what they wanted to ask. The interview is much more effective if it can be tailored to your specific needs. That way, you are assured to leave the interview with the information you need. What are your concerns? Do you worry about how you will support the children and pay the bills during the divorce? Is your spouse telling you that you must move out of the marital home before the completion of the divorce?
Compile your financial data to include your assets and liabilities. Be prepared for financial questions from your divorce attorney. Come to the first meeting prepared to tell the attorney what you own, and what you owe. Arrive with copies of your available financial records to include tax returns, mortgage statements, credit card statements, retirement account statements, paystubs, business records, and any other document relating to your financial situation. Do you know how much is in your spouse’s retirement account, or what your mortgage balance is? Do you know the names and balances of your credit cards?
Prepare a list of background information. Your list should contain names, addresses, social security numbers, and employer information for both you and your spouse, the names and birth dates of your children, and the name of the medical insurance provider for you and your children. Do you know the name and policy number of the children’s medical provider? Do you know the children’s social security numbers?
Prepare a goals list. Outline what you want at the conclusion of the divorce proceeding. It may be impossible to know your exact expectations prior to consulting at attorney. Hence, this list may not be all-inclusive. However, it is important to convey to the attorney your current expectations regarding custody, parenting time, and the division of the marital assets. Are you seeking custody of the minor children? Do you want to keep the marital home?
Discuss a budget with your attorney. Every divorce is unique. However, a candid conversation with the attorney about fees and costs is necessary Your interview should include a discussion about the attorney’s hourly fee, their retainer fee, and any costs related to your case. To avoid disappointment, go into the relationship with a full understanding of your financial responsibilities. What is the attorney’s retainer fee? Will you be responsible to pay for travel costs, copies and postage?