What happens at a consult?

mdotm0904

I have a consult with a lawyer on Wednesday. I wasn't going to at first, but once my BD started screaming about 50/50 custody, I got scared and decided to seek a professional. I'm hoping this is just him blowing smoke & once the baby is born he'll drop the 50/50 crap, but I can't be too sure because he LOVES the courthouse.

Anyway, I'm just a bit unclear about what happens at a consult. It's only 30minutes (that's all they offer for free, I don't have the money this week to pay for an hour consult somewhere else) I have certain questions about his rights/my rights/birth certificate/etc that I just want to know what maryland law is on these things, so she should be able to answer this for me right?

But also do I present my case to her about why i'd be fighting against him having 50/50 custody? since it's just a consult and she's not actually hired yet, will she give me legal advice? I have a bulk of the emails printed & screenshots of all the texts but not sure if it's worth bringing to her to see if i'm not even sure i'll hire her.

is there anything that i should specifically bring to her attention? i'm at a complete loss. and so is my family, none of us have ever had to do anything custody related ever. any help would be appreciated. thanks

PrettyInPearls23

Go into the consultation with all of your documentation (emails, screenshots, etc.) as well as your list of questions. I'm sure the attorney will want you to briefly explain your situation and why you're considering hiring counsel to represent you. Even though you're not paying the for meeting, she should be able to answer your questions and provide legal advice.

Just get all your ducks in a row and go into the meeting organized and armed with questions. Make sure you write down her answers, as she'll probably throw a lot at you.

mdotm0904

tifanico:

try not to waste your time in talking about how he broke up with you (unless there was DV) and sorry you feel for your unborn child and things like that. 

wellll i actually broke up with him (it's a huge part of why he's acting the way he is, but i'll wait to bring that up I guess.)

but thanks ladies, i'll probably end up doing a longer consult with a different lawyer at a later date. but with my due date so close, i really needed to get in with someone ASAP to mainly ask about the laws specific to our state concerning custody/his rights/my rights/etc.....