What Will Happen At My First Appointment

Here is a list of what you can expect to happen at your first appointment:

1. When you arrive, there is plenty of room in our parking spaces to park your car. You'll begin by entering our waiting room and letting the receptionist know that you have arrived.
2. We will give you a few pieces of paper to fill out, and invite you to take a seat. You will need to write down your name, your address, your phone number, and a few sentences about your situation.  Also, you will need to pay a one-time fee of $20.  When you're finished with the paperwork, the receptionist will notify your counselor that you are ready for your appointment.
3. While you're waiting for your meeting with an attorney or counselor, you can eat a cookie, get a glass of water, or have a cup of coffee.  This may also be a good time to use one of the private restrooms, to look through many of the Legal Aid Ministries pamphlets and articles available throughout the waiting room, or just a time to collect your thoughts.
4. When your attorney or counselor becomes available, you will be invited to sit in one of our private offices where you can discuss your situation in private.  If you do not speak English, you may want to bring someone with you to your appointment that can interpret for you.
5. The counselor will ask you questions about your situation.  You will have a chance to explain your situation and share your concerns with your counselor.
6. The counselor will offer you some advice to help you improve your situation.  Also, the counselor may recommend that you take specific actions.  In addition, the counselor may ask that you schedule a second appointment to meet with a special counselor or attorney that specializes in your situation. You are not required to follow your counselor's advice.
7. When your counselor meeting is finished, you'll be invited back to the waiting room.  If a second appointment is needed, you will schedule this meeting with the receptionist before you leave

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