What To Bring to Your Divorce Consultation

Taking the first steps towards divorce can be a daunting experience. Each divorce case, like each relationship, is different. Planning correctly from the start is one way to achieve the best possible outcome during your divorce proceedings. Resolving your legal issues begins as soon as your initial divorce consultation, and having the right family lawyer can make all the difference.

To find the right divorce attorney in your area, you’ll need to provide them with details about your marriage, financial situation, family composition, and reasons for divorce. Concerning your initial divorce consultation, there are several things you should plan to bring with you. Read on to learn about preparing for your divorce consultation and what to bring with you.

Preparing for Your Divorce Consultation

When you consult with a divorce lawyer, be sure to take time to outline the facts you want to share. You may know your story, but relevant details can slip your mind during a divorce law consultation. Such information can include the following:

• How your relationship began
• When the topic of divorce first came up
• Whose idea it was for a divorce and why
• What steps, if any, have been taken for reconciliation
• What kind of assets you have
• Who takes care of your children
• How many pets you have
• Any safety concerns you may have, such as domestic violence or a restraining order

The more facts a divorce attorney has when you first meet with them, the more accurately they can set your expectations for the proceedings. It’s critical that you share information that allows your attorney to understand the nature of your marriage.

Essential Documents to Bring to Your Consultation

From the first consultation with an attorney, you should be prepared to discuss your divorce case. Preparation often involves gathering key documents to bring to the consultation so the attorney can get a better understanding of your case.

Financial Documents

Your divorce attorney will also need to understand your financial information to begin planning for your divorce process. Everything from splitting assets to alimony payments to child custody arrangements can be impacted by the details of your financials, and your spouse’s, so you’ll need to share that information with your attorney as soon as possible. Financial documents to bring to your divorce consultation include:

• Pay stubs
• Income tax returns
• Bank statements
• Credit card account statements
• Household bills
• Mortgage payments and other real estate-related documents
• Health insurance plans
• Life insurance policies
• Retirement accounts
• Stock options
• Receipts for major purchases
• Car loan and lease documents
• Other financial statements in addition to credit card statements

If either you or your spouse are self-employed, or if you own a business together, bring bills and savings information from your businesses as well.

Anything you have a record of that impacts your income, or your spouse’s income, should be shared with your divorce attorney.

It’s important to provide as much as you can, rather than just what you think is most relevant. This information may be useful in determining what constitutes the marital property or what you can expect for spousal support or child support.

Copies of Important Legal Documents

You may have records or other legal documents that can impact your case in a divorce, so it’s crucial to share this information during a divorce consultation. Things like:

• Your marriage license
• Prenuptial agreements
• Postnuptial agreements
• Children’s birth certificates
• Wills and living wills
• Power of attorney forms
• Any other legal records that relate to you or your spouse, such as police reports or relevant contracts

These documents will help your divorce attorney know where the opportunities and obstacles exist concerning your divorce proceedings.

Questions To Ask Your Divorce Attorney

Asking questions is a critical part of the process when working with an attorney. Make the most of your initial consultation. Bring a list of questions.

Don’t feel like any question you have is too small or seems too silly. If you want to know something, don’t be afraid to ask. Questions may include:

• What is the timeline for a divorce given your circumstances?
• Are your expectations concerning what you hope to get out of your divorce realistic?
• What is an estimate of the cost for the case, and how does the attorney charge for their legal services?
• Is spousal support available in your case?
• What’s the difference between legal custody and joint custody?
• How many years of experience do they have handling divorce cases?

Be sure to also take note of additional questions, ideas, and goals as the meeting goes on so you can cover everything that is on your mind.

Choosing the Right Divorce Attorney

Once you enter into an attorney-client relationship with a family law attorney, they will be able to provide legal advice about your situation. It may feel risky to divulge so much information to an attorney you haven’t decided to hire yet. But rest assured, most of the legal rules around attorney-client privilege begin with your first consultation, even if you never hire that attorney to represent you, and even if the consultation is free and you never pay them any money.

The best way to find the right representation and to build your strongest case is to have an open, honest conversation during your divorce consultation. Find lawyers in your area to meet with so you can start planning your future.