What To Expect at Your Strategy Session
At your Goals & Planning Conference, we talked about where you are now and where you want to be. We made sure we were a good fit to work together, and once you decided to move forward, we handpicked your legal team based on your goals and needs.
Now, it’s time for your first Strategy Session—your first working session with your Freed Marcroft legal team. This is where we set the initial legal strategy for the beginning of your divorce, based on your goals and what we know so far.
But this is just the start. Over the course of your case, as we gather more information, as circumstances evolve, and as you gain more clarity about what you want, we will have additional Strategy Sessions to ensure your legal approach remains aligned with your goals.
We put this guide together to help you know what to expect.
What Will Cover in My First Strategy Session?
Your Goals & Planning Conference was about defining your future. Your Strategy Session is about building the first version of the legal plan to get you there.
Before this meeting, your attorney has already:
✔ Reviewed your case
✔ Analyzed the information you’ve shared
✔ Developed legal options tailored to your goals
At your Strategy Session, you and your attorney will:
- Review your legal options in detail
- Decide on your initial legal strategy
- Answer any initial questions you have
This is a working session where we start turning your goals into action. It’s important to remember that strategy isn’t set in stone—it’s designed to evolve. As we move forward, we will continue to revisit and refine your approach based on new information, changing circumstances, and your evolving priorities.
One of the most common frustrations clients have about divorce is that it feels like it takes too long—but much of that is because it’s a process, not a single event. We wrote this to help you understand why:
👉 Why Does Divorce Feel Like It Takes So Long?
Your Goals Aren’t Just About the Outcome—They’re About the Process, Too
When people think about their goals for divorce, they often focus on the outcome—things like parenting plans, financial settlements, and division of assets.
But at Freed Marcroft, we believe how you go through your divorce is just as important as where you land.
Do you want a process that prioritizes privacy? That minimizes conflict? That gives you space to make decisions at your own pace? Or do you need to take a more aggressive legal approach to protect your interests?
There is no one right way to go through a divorce—there’s only the right way for you.
Your Strategy Session is where we begin shaping both the strategy for the legal outcome and the approach to how we’ll navigate the process.
Our Commitment to Candor: Why We Tell You the Truth, Even When It’s Hard to Hear
At Freed Marcroft, we don’t sugarcoat things. From the very beginning, we will tell you the truth because that’s what will serve you best. Some lawyers may tell you what you want to hear. That’s not us. We believe truth is strength, and the more clarity you have, the more empowered you are.
👉 Don’t Mistake Truth for Weakness—It’s Strength
Divorce is filled with choices. We make sure you have the real information—not wishful thinking—so you can make the best ones.
Why Do You Call It a “Strategy Session”?
Because that’s exactly what it is.
Your Goals & Planning Conference was about where you want to go. Your Strategy Session is about how we get you there—starting now.
And as your case moves forward, you will have more strategy sessions to refine and adjust the approach as we learn more and as your goals continue to take shape.
How Long Does a First Strategy Session Take?
Most initial Strategy Sessions last between 45 and 90 minutes.
What Should I Bring With Me or Have Prepared?
You don’t need to come in with a legal game plan—that’s our job.
We’ve already reviewed your case and developed options for you. Before your Strategy Session, we’ll send you a short questionnaire to set you up for a great meeting. If there’s anything else we need, we’ll ask for it ahead of time.
✔ If you have questions, jot them down. We’ll make sure to get you answers.
✔ If you don’t have questions yet, that’s okay too. This session will likely bring up things you hadn’t thought of.
In the meantime, if you’re looking for general legal info, check out:
- Our Divorce and Family Law Blog
- Our YouTube Channel
- Our Divorce Information and Facts section
What if Something Urgent Comes Up Before My Strategy Session?
Reach out to us on Case Status. We’re here to help.
And if it’s an emergency—especially if you have concerns about your safety or your children’s safety—your first call should be to the police.
What Happens After My Strategy Session?
For most divorce and family law litigation matters, your next major step will be the Discovery Kickoff Conference. This is where we get the background information and documents (a.k.a. Discovery) that set you up for success. You’ll also begin on your first Financial Affidavit.
The sooner we get Discovery moving, the sooner we can move your case forward in a way that aligns with your priorities.
Next Steps
If you have any questions at all, please reach out to us on Case Status. It would be our pleasure to get you answers.
Updated February 15, 2025.
