Preparing for a legal consultation can feel overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with personal matters that carry emotional and financial weight. One of the best ways to make your meeting more productive is to bring the right documents and information with you.
At our firm, we focus on helping individuals and families through life’s most important transitions.
Our common areas of practice include:
- Adoption
- Non-Parent Custody /Adult Guardianship
- Estate Planning
- Estate Succession
Each of these areas involves different legal processes and documentation, which is why we’ve created this guide to help you prepare based on the type of consultation you're scheduling. Whether you're meeting with us for the first time or continuing an existing matter, having the appropriate paperwork on hand allows us to better understand your needs and provide clear, efficient guidance.
Below, you'll find suggested documents to bring for some of the most common legal matters we handle. These lists are not ex tensive , but they offer a helpful starting point. If you're unsure what applies to your situation, please don’t hesitate to contact our office— we’re happy to assist .
ADOPTION If you're pursuing adoption, consider bringing:
- Identification (driver’s license, passport)
- Any prior adoption-related paperwork or agency correspondence
- Home study documentation (if completed)
- Any prior Orders or Judgments (if applicable)
- Any communication with birth parents or agencies
Non-Parent Custody M atters involving relatives or other non-parents :
- Identification
- Any existing custody or guardianship orders
- Documentation of the child /adult’s current living situation
- Police reports or CPS documentation (if applicable)
Estate Planning If you're creating or updating an estate plan:
- Identification
- Prior wills, trusts, or powers of attorney
- List of assets (real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments )
- List of debts or liabilities
- Names and contact info for potential heirs or beneficiaries
- VIN Numbers for titled property
- Business ownership documents (if applicable)
- Any specific instructions or wishes you’ve written down
Succession If you're handling the estate of someone who has passed:
- Death certificate
- The decedent’s will or trust documents (if available)
- List of known assets and debts
- Titles or deeds to property
- Decedent’s bank statements and financial records
- Contact information for heirs or beneficiaries
- Funeral or other expense receipts
- Any court filings or prior succession paperwork
Being prepared makes a big difference . Use this guide as a starting point, and reach out if you have questions— we’re here to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.