Preparing for Your First Meeting with a Divorce Attorney: What to Bring and Ask

Whether you’re just investigating your options or you’re certain that divorce is in your future, your first meeting with a divorce attorney is a nerve-wracking experience.

Getting sidetracked by fear, anger, and heartache is normal, but can interfere with getting the information you need. The best way to make sure you have a productive meeting is to prepare ahead and bring copies of essential documents, as well as a list of questions you need answers to.  

Important Documents

• Prepare a sheet with names, birthdates, contact information for both spouses, as well as date of marriage and separation (if applicable) and copies of your marriage certificate and any pertinent paperwork, including prenuptial or postnuptial agreements.
• Financial information including paystubs or proof of income, 3-5 years of tax returns, bank and investment account statements, property deeds, mortgage statements, vehicle titles, loan documents, credit card statements, debt-related documents, business ownership documents if applicable.
• List of all joint and individual assets and debts, retirement and pension account statements, insurance policies, personal property of value.
• Information about children including birth certificates, child care and educational expenses, health insurance information, medical expenses for children.
• Any other legal documents including domestic violence or restraining orders.

Questions to Ask

• Do you specialize in divorce or family law?
• Have you handled cases like mine?
• What is your general approach to handling divorce cases – do you lean toward mediation, settlement, or litigation?
• How do you manage divorces that are not amicable?
• What are the steps involved in pursuing divorce?
• How long does a typical divorce take to complete?
• How is child custody decided?
• How is child support calculated?
• Am I entitled to/Will I have to pay alimony?
• How will our assets be divided?
• What are your fees?
• What is your communication style?
• What are the best- and worst-case outcomes I should anticipate?
• Can we resolve our divorce out of court?

Being well prepared is one of the best ways to manage the emotional roller coaster of divorce. For more information on what to expect as you move forward, contact our office today to set up a time for us to meet.