Menu
The first decision you make in your family law matter may be the most important: your choice of legal counsel. In fact, all future decisions in your case flow from your choice of attorney, including how your case is resolved, whether minor disagreements turn into litigious battles, and whether the final outcome truly reflects your goals.
Families throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia turn to Strickler, Platnick & Hatfield for guidance about divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, division of property, and other family law matters. Every case is different, which is why we take the time to understand your priorities before helping you evaluate your legal options.
A case evaluation will provide you with crucial information and insight before proceeding with your divorce or family law matter. Specifically, it will allow you to:
Family law matters can be emotional, overwhelming, and stressful. We know that a divorce can make it seem as if the world is spinning out of control. Having the right attorneys can place control back in your hands, and help you reframe the ending of your marriage as the beginning of a better future. Your chosen counsel will listen to your hopes and fears, consider the facts of your situation, advise you of your options, and advocate for your goals.
Because retaining a divorce attorney is such a consequential decision, you should be well-informed before making the commitment. You deserve more than a brief family law consultation that offers only general information about the legal process and little in the way of meaningful guidance. Before you commit to working with an attorney or law firm, you should know the attorneys’ qualifications and experience handling cases like yours, as well as their practice philosophy and approach to dispute resolution.
You should also be confident that you can trust your attorney’s style, approach and will work well together as a team. Divorce, custody, and other family law matters are intensely personal. You should come away from interactions with your attorneys with a feeling that you’ve been heard. You shouldn’t have more anxiety and questions than you had walking in.
Your case evaluation will generally involve a meeting with at least two of our attorneys. Why two? Because our attorneys work cooperatively and collaboratively. While all the attorneys at our firm are accomplished litigators and negotiators, each brings different strengths to the table.
You may find it interesting, if not enlightening, to see the different perspectives each attorney takes to the issues you are concerned about. There is often no one “right” way to approach a problem, only the best way for your unique needs. Our multidimensional approach helps us consider all angles and customize advice for your specific situation.
While every family law matter is unique, your initial case evaluation typically includes the following:
Your consultation is also an opportunity to discuss how family law applies to your circumstances. Your attorneys may explain topics such as how courts evaluate the best interests of the child in custody matters or how equitable distribution applies to marital property.
Depending on your situation, your attorneys may discuss potential paths forward. They will explain how each approach may fit your goals. Because many families in the area have connections to more than one jurisdiction, your attorneys will also consider whether Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, or another jurisdiction's laws may impact your circumstances.
An initial case evaluation meeting takes at least an hour. Any less than that will not give you an adequate opportunity to tell your story and receive thoughtful input from the attorneys about your concerns and goals. However, these divorce consultations often go much longer than an hour. The point of these meetings is for you to get all the information you need to make an informed decision about representation. When the consultation is over, you should feel relieved, not rushed.
Your initial consultation and case evaluation is billed as a flat fee equal to one hour of one attorney's time, regardless of how many attorneys participate or how long the meeting lasts. We believe you should be able to focus on your family, your questions, and your future, not on how quickly the clock is ticking. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions, discuss your concerns, and receive thoughtful guidance without worrying about additional consultation fees.
A family law consultation can be helpful at many different points in your journey. You may be considering whether divorce is the right path, preparing to move forward with a divorce, or responding after being served with papers. Our attorneys assist individuals throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia with divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and other family law matters.
We work with parents navigating custody disputes, individuals facing divorce in Montgomery County, Prince George's County, and the entire surrounding Washington Metropolitan region. We work with clients dealing with complex financial concerns. This may include high-asset divorce, business ownership issues, retirement accounts, pensions, or long-term alimony considerations. Whether you need immediate guidance or simply want to understand your options before making a decision, a consultation can help you move forward with greater clarity.
Part of your initial consultation will, of course, focus on your family law dispute. You should be prepared to tell us as much as possible about your situation so that we can address your concerns and give you a realistic roadmap of what to expect from the legal process, including dispute resolution options.
You should come to the evaluation prepared with:
In addition, be prepared to discuss any information about your goals and priorities for the future. We understand that family law matters affect all aspects of your life, including your financial stability, emotional health, and relationship with your children. We can discuss your objectives and help you determine the best course of action.
For many individuals, a divorce or family law consultation is the first time they encounter an attorney or the legal system as a whole. Some frequently asked questions we often get include:
Yes, conversations during a consultation with a family law attorney are generally confidential. This applies even if you decide to not hire them. If there are any limitations on confidentiality, your attorney will explain them before discussing your case.
No, you don’t have to make a commitment before the consultation. A consultation is designed to help you make an informed decision. Many people schedule a consultation because they want to understand their rights and options before deciding how to move forward.
Your initial consultation and case evaluation is billed as a flat fee equal to one hour of one attorney's time. That fee remains the same regardless of how long the meeting lasts or how many attorneys participate in your consultation.
Possibly. Some clients prefer to have a trusted support person attend their consultation. If you'd like someone to join you, we recommend discussing it with our office when scheduling so we can determine the best approach. A third party in attendance can impact attorney-client privilege and confidentiality.
Appointment availability varies depending on our schedule. We strive to meet with new clients as promptly as possible. If your matter involves an upcoming court date or another urgent issue, let us know when you call.
You don't have to be certain that you want a divorce before seeking legal advice. Speaking with an attorney allows you to explore your options, understand how the law may apply to your circumstances.
Yes. Our attorneys represent clients throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. Family law matters can become more complex when spouses live in different states. During your consultation, our attorneys will evaluate your circumstances and explain which jurisdiction's laws apply to your situation and how those laws may affect your options.
“I highly recommend Strickler, Platnick & Hatfield, P.C. They genuinely care about their clients and have provided me with great guidance.” – Manni
“Excellent team of gifted attorneys. Geoff and Scott handled our family’s case with the utmost attention to detail, showing care and compassion whenever it was needed. Not only are they thorough with case preparations, they are skilled orators in the…” – Annie
“This lawyer firm, including Hadrian and Allison, went above and beyond to ensure my divorce was as painless and peaceful as possible. They explained the process thoroughly, provided realistic options for [me] and my ex to consider, and processed all…” – Ismat
Wherever you are in the process, you don't have to navigate it alone. Strickler, Platnick & Hatfield serves individuals and families throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia from our Potomac and Gaithersburg, Maryland offices. If you'd like to discuss your situation, contact us by phone or email, or complete our client intake form to schedule your consultation.
We practice in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
© 2026 Strickler, Platnick & Hatfield, P.C.
Legal Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Law Firm Website Design by The Modern Firm
