New Client Intake Process

Welcome to The Firm For Men.

We’re honored you’ve chosen us to represent you. Our intake process is designed to establish your attorney-client relationship quickly and gather the information your legal team needs to begin working on your case.

The process consists of three steps:

  1. Open Your File
  2. Complete Your Intake Packet
  3. Attorney Review & Case Strategy

Step 1: Open Your File

Before we can begin representing you, we must receive the following three items.

Your Advance Legal Fee (ALF) is deposited into the Firm’s trust account and is used to pay earned legal fees and case expenses as work is performed in accordance with your Representation Agreement.

Once your representation begins, you’ll receive regular invoices showing:

  • Work performed
  • Fees earned
  • Amounts applied from your trust account
  • Your current trust balance
  • Any trust replenishment requirements

For more information, please see our Understanding Your Invoice & Trust Account guide.

Payment Authorization

Every client is required to complete a Payment Authorization.

This authorization allows the Firm to process payments that are authorized under your Representation Agreement, such as trust replenishments, filing fees, or other approved charges.

Completing this authorization does not automatically charge your payment method.

Representation Agreement

Your Representation Agreement establishes the attorney-client relationship and explains:

  • The scope of our representation
  • Billing and trust account procedures
  • Communication expectations
  • Client and Firm responsibilities
  • Other important terms governing your representation

Please read the agreement carefully before signing. If you have questions, we’re happy to answer them.

Your File Is Officially Open

Once we have received your:

  • Advance Legal Fee
  • Payment Authorization
  • Signed Representation Agreement

your matter is officially opened in our case management system and your legal team can begin representing you.

Step 2: Complete Your Intake Packet

After your file has been opened, you’ll receive a series of intake forms. These forms help your legal team understand your situation, identify important legal issues, and begin developing a strategy tailored to your goals.

The more complete your intake packet is, the more efficiently we can begin working on your behalf.

The Beast Client Information Form

Around the office, you’ll hear us refer to our Client Information form as “The Beast.” There’s a good reason for the nickname—it’s our most comprehensive intake form.

While it may seem lengthy, it provides your legal team with a complete picture of your family, finances, employment, assets, debts, children, and goals. It also identifies many of the supporting documents that may be needed throughout your representation, including marriage records, deeds, insurance information, and financial records.

Completing “The Beast” thoroughly helps your attorney:

  • Understand your circumstances and legal objectives.
  • Identify important legal issues early.
  • Develop an initial case strategy.
  • Prepare court filings more efficiently.
  • Reduce delays caused by missing information later in your case.

Identification Request

This form verifies your identity, confirms your mailing address, and collects emergency contact information. You’ll also provide a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID.

This helps us:

  • Verify your identity.
  • Protect confidential client information.
  • Maintain accurate contact information.
  • Contact someone in the event of an emergency if necessary.

Client Communication Preferences

Every client has different communication preferences. This questionnaire tells us how you would like to receive updates, participate in meetings, and communicate with your legal team. It also allows you to choose how frequently you’d like updates in addition to the Firm’s monthly Case Status Updates.

Understanding your preferences helps us provide a communication experience that works best for you.

Income & Expense

Many family law cases involve financial issues such as child support, spousal support, equitable distribution, attorney’s fees, and settlement negotiations.

The Monthly Income & Expense Statement provides a snapshot of your household income, monthly expenses, debts, and available assets.

This information helps your attorney:

  • Evaluate financial issues.
  • Prepare financial disclosures.
  • Assess settlement opportunities.
  • Prepare for hearings and negotiations.
  • Identify additional financial documents that may be needed.

VS-4 Report of Divorce or Annulment

The VS-4 is a form required by the Commonwealth of Virginia for divorce and annulment cases. It records basic information about the parties and the marriage for the Virginia Division of Vital Records.

Completing this form early helps reduce delays when your case reaches its conclusion.

Supporting Documents

Depending on your case, we may also ask you to provide documents such as:

  • Marriage certificate
  • Prior court orders
  • Separation agreements
  • Tax returns
  • Recent pay stubs
  • Bank statements
  • Retirement account statements
  • Credit card statements
  • Mortgage documents
  • Deeds
  • Vehicle titles
  • Insurance policies
  • Military records (if applicable)
  • Business records (if applicable)
  • Documents received from the opposing party or opposing counsel

Your attorney or paralegal will let you know which documents are needed for your specific matter.

Step 3: What Happens Next?

Once your file has been opened and your intake packet has been received, your legal team will review your information and begin preparing your case. Your initial meeting will typically be within one week of your file opening. During this meeting, we will review your goals and legal issues.

Depending on your matter, we may:

  • Review your goals and legal issues.
  • Identify additional information or documents needed.
  • Prepare pleadings and court filings.
  • Develop an initial case strategy.
  • Contact opposing counsel, when appropriate.
  • Begin taking the legal steps necessary to move your case forward.

If additional information is needed, we’ll contact you promptly.

Our Goal

Our intake process is designed to help us begin representing you as efficiently as possible. By completing your intake packet thoroughly and providing requested documents promptly, you’re giving your legal team the information needed to focus less on gathering facts and more on developing a strategy to protect your interests.

If you have questions at any point during the intake process, please contact us. We’re here to help and want to make the process as straightforward as possible.