Nervous? That's completely normal. Most people who call us have never spoken to a lawyer before. Here's exactly what happens — no surprises, no jargon.
Your first call is free, confidential, and carries no obligation whatsoever.
Step by Step: What Happens in the Room
Every first meeting follows roughly the same shape. Knowing this in advance takes away a lot of the uncertainty.
Things People Worry About (That They Don't Need To)
These are the thoughts that stop people from calling. Let's put them to rest.
The questions people ask before their first meeting — answered honestly.
There's no formal list — bring whatever you have. These things are useful but none are required:
If you have none of these things, come anyway. We can work with a blank slate.
Andrew Liggett BA JD CD has been helping BC families navigate family law, estate planning, and business matters since 1991. Your first call is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.
📍 Mailing address: Suite 109 — 245 East Columbia Street, Sapperton, New Westminster
📞 Phone and secure video meetings across BC
Bring whatever you have — there's no wrong answer here. Helpful things include a short timeline of key events (dates of marriage or cohabitation, separation, any court dates), any documents you've already received, and a list of questions you don't want to forget to ask. If you have nothing at all, that's completely fine too. We'll gather what we need together.
A general picture of your situation: how long you were together, whether there are children, what property or debts are involved, and what's brought you to this point. You don't need to have everything sorted out or know what outcome you want. The lawyer's job is to help you understand your options — not to judge how you got here.
The most useful ones are: What are my rights in this situation? What are my realistic options? What happens next, and how long does it take? What will it cost? You won't remember everything said in the meeting — writing your questions down beforehand and taking a few notes during is a good habit.
Yes. A good lawyer will give you a clear picture of likely costs during or right after the first meeting, including their hourly rate and a realistic estimate for your situation. You are never committed to anything at the first meeting — it's a conversation, not a contract.
Yes, completely. Everything you share with your lawyer is protected by solicitor-client privilege — one of the strongest legal protections that exists. Your lawyer cannot share what you tell them with anyone, including the other party, their lawyer, or the court, without your permission.
Do I need to tell the lawyer everything, even the bad parts?
Yes — and this is important. Your lawyer can only help you effectively if they know the full picture, including things that might be uncomfortable or that you think make you look bad. They've heard it all before. Surprises later in a legal matter are far more costly than honesty at the start.
Will I have to make any decisions at the first meeting?
No. The first meeting is about understanding your situation and your options. You will leave with more clarity than you arrived with, but you are never pressured to decide anything on the spot. Take the time you need.
A clearer sense of where you stand legally, what your realistic options are, a rough idea of timeline and cost, and the next steps if you decide to move forward. Most people leave feeling significantly less anxious than when they arrived — knowing the landscape makes it much easier to think clearly.
The first thing your lawyer will do is make sure you feel comfortable. This is a safe space to speak openly. There are no stupid questions and no judgment — lawyers meet people at some of the hardest moments of their lives, and a good one knows how to create calm in that.
Once the lawyer understands your situation, they'll explain what BC law says about it — in plain language, not legal jargon. You'll hear what your rights are, what the realistic range of outcomes looks like, and what paths forward exist (negotiation, mediation, collaborative process, or court).
If you decide to move forward, the lawyer will explain exactly what happens next and what they'll need from you. If you need time to think, that's completely fine. There is no pressure — the right decision is one you've made clearly and calmly.
I need to have everything figured out before I call.
You don't need to know what you want or what your options are — that's exactly what the meeting is for. Call when you're uncertain. That's the right time.
Most family law matters never go near a courtroom. Getting legal advice early often prevents conflict from escalating. A conversation with a lawyer is information — it doesn't commit you to anything.
The lawyer will judge me for how things got to this point.
Lawyers are not there to pass judgment. They're there to help you move forward. Whatever happened in your relationship or family is your story — the lawyer's job is to help you write the next chapter.
I should wait until things get worse before I call.
Earlier is almost always better. Early legal advice protects your rights, prevents costly mistakes, and often opens up options that disappear if you wait.
First Lawyer Meeting BC — What to Expect & Prepare | Sea to Sky Law
Not sure what to expect at your first lawyer consultation in BC? We explain what to bring, what to ask, whether first consultations are free, and how to prepare — in plain language.
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A short note of key dates (marriage, separation, court dates)
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