Divorce Action Checklist

DIVORCE ACTION CHECKLIST INSTRUCTIONS: A. B. C. D. STEP NO. Insert in all divorce and separation files. Keep loose as top item in file. Refer to Action Checklist Instructions for instructions on completing each step. Enter follow-up dates and date each step when completed. Responsible party abbreviations: A = Attorney; LA = Secretary/Legal Assistant BY ACTION DIARY DONE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. LA A LA A LA LA LA LA LA LA A LA LA LA LA A LA LA LA LA DIVORCE INFORMATION PAMPHLET TO CLIENT CLIENT INTERVIEW (MIL & DL-1) OPEN FILE & PREPARE PLEADINGS (DF-2 / DF-8) REVIEW & SIGN PLEADINGS VERIFICATION / AFFADAVIT SIGNED BY CLIENT (DF-3/4) FILE SUIT (DL-2A) CONFIRM FILING & RULE DATE NOTICE TO CLIENT (DL-2) & TICKLER RULE DATE CHECK SERVICE PREPARE FOR RULE RULE HEARING TICKLER FOR PRELIMINARY DEFAULT MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY DEFAULT (DF-9 / 9A) SET COURT APPEARANCE DATE (DL-2A) AFFADAVIT & JUDGMENT PREPARED (DF10-11) CONFIRM DEFAULT NOTICE OF JUDGMENT DIVORCE REMINDER BILL FILE CLOSE FILE NOTES & TO DO ACTION _________________________________________ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ DATE ______ DATE DONE _______ American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkFlow.com DIVORCE ACTION CHECKLIST INSTRUCTIONS 1. Keep a copy of instructions in file with Action Checklist as guide for each step. 2. After completing a step, proceed to next step unless instructed otherwise. 3. Make pencil notations on Checklist or Instructions of any questions or modifications. STEP NO. 1. DONE BY INSTRUCTION Divorce Information Pamphlet - Use an information pamphlet to inform client of general rights and duties in marital matters prior to the attorney interview. If the client calls for an appointment, the legal assistant should get the client's name, address and phone number and if there is sufficient time before the appointment date, mail the Divorce Information Pamphlet. Otherwise, give the Divorce Information Pamphlet to the client upon arrival in the office to read in the waiting room before the interview. 1.1 1.2 2. LA LA Client Interview - Either the Attorney or the legal assistant can conduct the initial interview. A A Master Information List (MIL) ­ Complete and fill in all information required by particular case. Financial Information Sheet ­ Complete in cases involving alimony, child support or community property. Income and Expense List (DFI) ­ In alimony or child support cases give DFI to client to complete and return to office for review and copy prior to the rule date. 2.1 2.2 2.3 A 3. Opening File and Prepare Pleadings - Follow Master Information List (MIL) and complete the Divorce Forms DF2-8, as required. 3.1 3.2 DF3 Verification ­ Add to petition in all injunction and adultery cases. DF4 Affidavit ­ Prepare in Irreconcilable Separation cases. Make two (2) ­ one LA for husband and one for wife. 3.3 Rule date ­ In Orleans Parish, you may select a rule date by calling court clerk in Division to which case is allotted for available dates and then checking LA attorney's diary. Insert date selected in Order. In other Parishes, the court fixes rule date. 4. Review and Sign - Attorney should review the finished pleadings for completeness and correctness and then sign. LA American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkFlow.com WORK FLOW DIAGRAM SECRETARY Prepare Master Index Cards Prepare Initial Documents or Diary Open File Info File to Client Distribute Index Cards Diary Tickler Cards Prescription Cards Complete Action in file (Copy, Mail, WP) Return to Attorney ATTORNEY Interview Client & Complete New Case Memo Diary Enter New Files for week/month in 1. Client List ML American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkFlow.com