Showing up prepared, calm, and hard to steamroll
1. Why this matters
Most homeowners walk into attorney conversations feeling desperate and ashamed. That’s when people:
- Over-promise to get a retainer, or
- Dismiss you with “you defaulted, that’s all that matters,” without actually looking at your facts.
This guide helps you show up as:
“I’ve done my homework. I’m not a lawyer, but I know my own case.”
2. Before you contact anyone
Have these ready:
- Your Timeline Worksheet (Guide 5)
- Your Document Folder (Guide 6)
- A short “what feels wrong” paragraph in plain language
- A list of 3–7 questions you want to ask
You don’t need a perfect case theory—just organized basics.
3. Questions to ask about their experience
You’re trying to understand whether foreclosure defense is their lane or just an occasional side project.
Ask:
- “How much of your practice is foreclosure defense or consumer law?”
- “Have you handled cases involving service issues, standing/assignments, or time-limit arguments before?”
- “Have you ever taken a case through trial or appeal, or do most cases settle?”
You are not quizzing them—it’s just basic clarity.
4. Questions to ask about your situation
You want to hear how they think, not just whether they sound confident.
Ask:
- “Based on my timeline, do you see any areas that might be worth exploring—service, assignments, time limits, or behavior?”
- “What would your first 30–60 days on my case look like?”
- “What documents would you want to see right away?”
Watch for attorneys who:
- Ask to see your timeline and core documents, and
- Respond with “I’d need to review these carefully before making any promises,” instead of quick, sweeping claims.
5. Questions to ask about money and expectations
Ask clearly:
- “How do you bill—hourly, flat fee, or a hybrid?”
- “What does your fee not include?” (appeals, post-judgment actions, etc.)
- “What kind of outcomes are realistic in a case like mine?”
A good answer:
- Frames ranges of possible outcomes (delay, modification, dismissal, settlement),
- Avoids guarantees, and
- Doesn’t punish you for asking about money.
6. After the conversation
Ask yourself:
- Did I feel rushed or listened to?
- Did they respect the work I’d already done (timeline, documents), or ignore it?
- Did they leave space for uncertainty, or pretend everything was simple?
Your goal is not to find a superhero. It’s to find someone who treats you and the facts with respect and realism.