When the time comes to schedule your first meeting with a potential new attorney (the initial consultation), you may feel nervous or unsure about what to expect. You will be asked to provide some personal information, and it is helpful to understand why this process is necessary.
The Importance of the “Conflict Check”
Before you schedule your initial consultation, the law office must run a “conflict check.” This is a standard legal procedure to ensure that the attorney you are seeking to meet has not already provided advice to or been retained by the other party in your case.
Lawyers are bound by ethical rules to keep their clients’ and/or potential clients’ information confidential. Once a lawyer meets with you, that lawyer cannot have a consultation with the other party without you signing a “conflict waiver.” If a law firm is unable to schedule a consultation with you after running this conflict check, it does not necessarily mean they have already met with the other party, but it is a strong indication.
Information We Need
To conduct a full conflict check, we will need to collect specific details. Please be prepared to provide:
- Full Legal Names: Your full name and any nicknames you go by, along with your opposing party’s full name and any nicknames they use.
- Dates of Birth: Law firms often request the date of birth for both you and the opposing party to ensure accurate record-keeping.
- Contact Information: We need your current phone number and/or email address to send you reminders, provide documentation regarding your consultation, or notify you if a scheduling change is required.
Why We Ask About Your Case
During an initial scheduling call, our intake team may ask brief questions about your case. Some examples are the date of marriage, date of separation, whether you have children (and their ages), and if there are any immediate concerns for your safety.
While these questions may feel personal, it is important to be open and provide the requested information. Doing so allows the attorney to prepare for your specific legal needs rather than taking a generic approach. This makes your consultation much more productive.
Your Privacy is Our Priority
Rest assured that any information you provide to our law firm will remain strictly confidential. You hold the privilege of deciding who knows which attorneys you have spoken to. We take our obligation to protect your privacy seriously.
Next Steps: Connecting with Burgos Santoyo Smith Law Office
At Burgos Santoyo Smith, we specialize in navigating the complexities of family law with empathy and professional excellence. Our team is dedicated to providing clear guidance and robust representation to help you protect what matters most.
If you are considering hiring an attorney to assist you in a family law matter, we are here to help. Call us at (833) 931-1615, Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST, to speak with our team and schedule your initial consultation.
