Before reaching out to a Swedish lawyer (advokat), it helps to prepare some key information and documents.
Doing so saves time, reduces costs, and allows the lawyer to assess your case more efficiently — especially if you are contacting them from abroad.
This guide outlines what to have ready before your first consultation.
1. A Short Written Summary of Your Case
Start with a brief, factual overview of the situation.
Include:
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Who is involved (individuals, companies, or authorities),
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What has happened so far,
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When key events occurred, and
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What outcome you are seeking.
Keep the summary objective. Swedish lawyers typically prefer clear, chronological information rather than lengthy narratives.
2. Relevant Documents and Evidence
Gather all materials that may help the lawyer understand the case.
Depending on the type of matter, this could include:
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Contracts or agreements,
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Invoices or payment records,
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Emails, text messages, or letters,
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Court or authority decisions, and
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Identification or registration documents.
You do not need to translate everything before contact — the lawyer will advise whether official translations are required later.
3. Contact Information and Residence Details
Make sure to provide your full contact details, including:
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Current address and country of residence,
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Telephone number and email, and
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Whether you live in Sweden or abroad.
For cross-border cases, the lawyer will need this information to determine jurisdiction (which court or authority has competence) and how official documents should be served.
4. Clarify the Type of Legal Issue
Swedish lawyers often specialise in particular fields.
To help you reach the right person, describe your issue in one or two sentences, such as:
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“I need advice on a custody dispute involving a child living in Sweden.”
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“I have a contract dispute with a Swedish company.”
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“I need help recovering an inheritance from an estate in Sweden.”
This helps the firm direct your inquiry to a lawyer experienced in the correct area of law.
5. Budget and Payment Information
It is standard practice in Sweden for lawyers to charge by the hour or request an advance payment (retainer) — especially when the client is based outside Sweden.
Before contacting the lawyer, consider:
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Whether you have legal expenses insurance (rättsskydd),
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Whether you might qualify for Swedish legal aid (rättshjälp), or
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Whether you can pay an initial retainer to start the case.
Providing this context early allows the lawyer to suggest suitable arrangements.
6. Preferred Language for Communication
Most Swedish advokater speak fluent English, and many have international experience.
If you prefer another language, interpreters can easily be arranged for meetings or court proceedings.
Mention your preferred language when you first make contact.
7. Questions You May Want to Ask
Before the first meeting, note any specific questions you want answered — for example:
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What laws apply to my situation?
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How long might the process take?
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What documents do I need to provide next?
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What are the estimated costs?
Having a clear list helps ensure that your first consultation is focused and productive.
Summary
Preparing before you contact a Swedish lawyer allows for faster assessment, clearer communication, and more accurate cost estimates.
A short written summary, relevant documents, and clarity about your goals are usually enough to begin.
Your advokat can then explain what additional information is needed once representation starts.
