What happens on your consultation, and how to get the most from it
Most people who call me have never spoken to a lawyer before. They are not sure what they are allowed to ask, or whether their question is too small, or whether they will be judged for the state their marriage is in.
So before anything else: you will not be judged, and no question is too small. I have heard every version of this situation over thirty years. Yours will not shock me.
Here is what the twenty minutes actually looks like, so that nothing about it is a surprise.
The first few minutes are just your story
I will ask you to tell me what has happened, in your own words and in whatever order it comes out. You do not need to organise it or use the right terms. I will ask questions as we go to fill in what I need.
If you are upset, that is normal and it does not waste the time. It usually takes a couple of minutes to settle, and then we get a great deal done.
Then I tell you where you actually stand
Once I understand the facts, I will tell you plainly what stage your matter is at, what is likely to happen next, and what the real range of outcomes looks like. If your fears are worse than your situation, I will say so. If your situation is more serious than you think, I will say that too.
This is the part most people say they needed most. Not a promise, just a clear view of the ground you are standing on.
Then the immediate do's and don'ts
Almost every case has two or three things that need doing soon, and two or three things that must not be done at all. We will cover both for your specific position, whether that is a notice you have received, a date you must not miss, or a conversation you should not be having.
What to keep ready
Nothing is compulsory. If you have these at hand, we will get further in the time we have.
- Any notice, complaint, summons or court paper you have received, even if you do not understand it
- Rough dates: when you married, when you separated, when anything was filed
- A rough picture of your income and any loans or dependants you support
- Anything you have been asked to sign
- A quiet room and, if it is a video call, a decent signal
What we will not do in twenty minutes
I will not be able to read a long file of documents in detail, draft anything for you, or give you a final opinion on a complicated question of property or succession. If your matter needs that, I will tell you honestly on the call and we can discuss what it would involve.
The consultation is meant to give you clarity and a correct next step. For many people that is enough on its own.
It stays between us
The conversation is confidential. Nothing is recorded, and what you tell me is not repeated to anyone. You can speak in Telugu, Hindi or English, whichever you think in.
If you want to go ahead after the call, we can talk about that then. There is no pressure to, and plenty of people take the advice and handle things themselves.
This page is general information rather than advice on your own case. What applies to you depends on your facts, which is exactly what the consultation is for.
Want this looked at properly?
Bring whatever papers you have. In twenty minutes I will tell you where you stand and what the next correct step is. ₹499, on video or at my office.
Book a Consultation · ₹499