The Consultation
The more you prepare for this first meeting the more valuable that time will be, and so the more equipped your attorney can be to represent you throughout your divorce process.
● Arrive early to fill out preliminary paperwork with details on you and your spouse
● Prepare questions to ask the attorney on what to expect from the process and about his or her experience and approach
● Answer questions your divorce attorney may ask you, regarding your ideal outcome, the facts of your marriage, and any custody or access issues.
● Review finances & provide full disclosure in order to provide more accurate information to your attorney
● Collaborate with your attorney by being as organized and informative as possible. If your attorney has all he or she needs, then the focus can be on advocating for you.
● Ask for an estimate of your case. Although it will be hard for your attorney to tell you exact costs, they may be able to anticipate the steps in the process and provide you with a range.
What To Bring
● Relevant Paperwork/Full Disclosure. Divorce papers you have already been served or any prenuptial/post nuptial agreement are crucial to bring along on your first visit. These often set the framework for how your attorney will present your case, or at least provide important information.
● Tax Returns. These give far more information than just each spouse’s income, listing other assets and expenses that your family has been involved with. Ideally you should bring tax returns from the past three years.
● Retirement Account Info. Any money deposited into a 401(k) or other account will be important for the attorney to factor in, particularly when it comes to issues of support.
● Statements. Bring both bank and investment statements for all checking, savings, money market, and other accounts.
● Pay Stubs. Current income is necessary to consider, so try to bring at least three pay stubs from you and your spouse. The more specific the financial information, the better the attorney can calculate any spousal or child support.
● Real Estate. Provide deeds, mortgage statements, pink slips, and escrow papers for any property owned by you and your spouse now or in the past.
At the end of the meeting, you can confirm that you want to continue working with your family law attorney and get clarification about the next steps. If any information is missing, your attorney can request it, and let you know the best way to keep in contact. Also, your attorney may counsel you on how to proceed. While the divorce process is ongoing it is a most challenging time of uncertainty, and their experience could help you figure out ways to know how to act.
The Simon Law Group offers a free consultation to ensure that potential clients feel confident in working with us. Call now to set up a time to talk. Take advantage of our FREE Legal Mini Session by clicking the button below.
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