client intake form/checklist in family law (california, LA county)
I. Client Information
II. Spousal Information (if applicable)
III. Relationship Details
IV. Legal Issues
- Specify the type of legal matter.
- Indicate if multiple issues are present.
- Provide context for each identified issue.
- Outline the main legal concerns.
- Include any relevant facts or circumstances.
- Be concise but thorough in the description.
- List all existing court orders.
- Attach copies of any relevant documents.
- Note the date of the orders or agreements.
- Identify prior attorneys and their involvement.
- Note reasons for change in representation.
- Include any ongoing obligations to prior counsel.
- Specify if any protective orders are in place.
- Provide details on the nature of the orders.
- Include expiration dates and jurisdictions.
- List all upcoming court dates.
- Include the nature of each action.
- Note deadlines for filings or responses.
- Identify which court has jurisdiction.
- Include reasons for choosing this jurisdiction.
- Note any conflicting jurisdictions if applicable.
- Describe any allegations and their context.
- Note any related legal actions or orders.
- Include safety concerns for involved parties.
- Detail custody arrangements and concerns.
- Outline visitation schedules and disputes.
- Include child support requirements if applicable.
- Assess the financial needs of both parties.
- Include any relevant income details.
- Determine duration and amount of support needed.
- Identify all marital and separate properties.
- Discuss potential disputes over property classification.
- Include any prenuptial agreements affecting division.
- Outline potential tax consequences of divorce.
- Discuss division of assets and tax liabilities.
- Include considerations for filing status changes.
- Note any special needs of children involved.
- Discuss implications of military service on the case.
- Include additional considerations affecting the family.
- Discuss the feasibility of mediation.
- Outline other dispute resolution methods.
- Assess willingness of both parties to negotiate.
- Clarify what the client hopes to achieve.
- Include specific goals related to children, support, and property.
- Discuss long-term objectives beyond the case.
- Identify any relationships that may cause conflict.
- Discuss shared assets and their implications.
- Include any relevant affiliations or connections.
- Determine if any agreements are in place.
- Include details on the nature of these agreements.
- Assess if they are enforceable and relevant.
- Gather and review past legal decisions.
- Include details on how they impact the current case.
- Assess relevance to ongoing issues.
- Outline critical deadlines for the case.
- Include timelines for responses and filings.
- Discuss any time-sensitive issues needing attention.
V. Financial Information
- List all sources of income.
- Include gross monthly and annual amounts.
- Detail any variable income such as bonuses.
- Provide current employer's name and address.
- State your job title and position.
- Include length of employment and salary.
- List all assets owned individually or jointly.
- Include property addresses and current market values.
- Detail bank account balances and investment holdings.
- Itemize all outstanding debts and loans.
- Include credit card balances and terms.
- Specify any joint liabilities with spouse.
- Provide a detailed monthly budget.
- Include fixed and variable expenses.
- Break down costs for housing, utilities, and groceries.
- Gather copies of tax returns from the past three years.
- Ensure all forms and schedules are included.
- Provide W-2s or 1099s for additional income.
- List all retirement accounts and current values.
- Include account types and institutions.
- Document any pension plans and benefits.
- Detail amounts received or paid monthly.
- Include any court orders or agreements.
- Specify duration and conditions of support.
- Disclose any business ownership or partnerships.
- Include business valuations and financial statements.
- Indicate role and income derived from the business.
- List all insurance policies held.
- Include policy numbers and coverage amounts.
- Document beneficiaries and premiums paid.
- Detail any financial assistance received.
- Include amounts, frequency, and sources.
- Specify if it's a loan or gift.
- Provide copies of previous divorce decrees.
- Include settlement agreements and terms.
- Detail any financial obligations from prior settlements.
- Obtain a recent credit report and score.
- Review for accuracy and disputes.
- Include any significant factors affecting score.
- Gather documents related to financial changes.
- Include notices of job loss or termination.
- Document any inheritances or gifts received.
- Outline any expected changes in income.
- Include potential job changes or promotions.
- Detail anticipated expenses such as schooling.
- List all joint bank accounts and their balances.
- Detail shared loans or credit card accounts.
- Specify responsibilities for joint debts.
- Collect recent bank statements for all accounts.
- Include statements for loans and credit lines.
- Ensure all financial institutions are represented.
- Detail debts accumulated during the marriage.
- Include loan agreements and credit card statements.
- Specify who is responsible for each debt.
- Document any ongoing lawsuits or claims.
- Include financial implications of these litigations.
- Specify parties involved and potential outcomes.
Use in Manifestly