how to prepare for a call with a divorce attorney

How to Prepare to Meet with a Divorce Lawyer

• Prepare to Build a Relationship Communication is key when building an attorney-client relationship. ...
• Discuss Your Hopes and Desires Outline what you want at the conclusion of the divorce proceeding and bring it up with your attorney. ...
• Bring a List of Questions Writing down your questions is one of the best things that you can do to prepare for your meeting. ...
• Bring Available Financial Documents ...

Full Answer

How do I make an appointment with a divorce attorney?

To help you feel more relaxed, ask at the time you make the appointment about what kind of paperwork you should bring (especially if you have already filed for divorce or have a restraining order in place), how long you can expect the appointment to last, and the cost of this first meeting. 2. Prepare a Wish List

What should I do before meeting my divorce lawyer?

Here are five important steps to take before that all-important initial visit. 1. Don’t Stress Out! Divorce is already stressful enough without having to take on new anxiety about what will happen the first time you meet your lawyer.

Where can I get a free initial consultation for divorce?

The family law attorneys at Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group can help. For a completely confidential initial consultation, please contact Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group at (973) 520-8822 or through our Contact Form .

How do I get a consultation with Weinberger divorce&family law group?

For a completely confidential initial consultation, please contact Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group at (973) 520-8822 or through our Contact Form .

How to prepare for a divorce?

Many, if not all, aspects of their life will be changing. The first step to a strong divorce case is hiring an experienced family law attorney.

What Type of Documentation and Questions Should I Compile Before I Meet with My Divorce Lawyer?

It is important to compile documentation a lawyer may need prior to a consultation. It is also important to notate any questions an individual may have for their attorney.

What Makes a Strong Divorce Case? What Makes it Weak?

The step that makes any divorce case the strongest is hiring an attorney. An attorney will be familiar with the local rules and requirements, as well as the requirements for obtaining a divorce in their state. They will also know how to best present an argument to the court in order to protect an individual’s rights and property during a divorce.

What are Some Dos and Don’ts in Divorce Cases?

Do: If possible, come to an agreement regarding divorce issues. This makes the process quicker and smoother for all parties. It is alright, of course, if every issue is not resolved by agreement.

What is the foundation of a divorce?

The foundation of a strong divorce case is the knowledge of the rules and requirements for filing for divorce in the state in which a party resides. An attorney will know this information and be able to advise the party if they meet the requirements for a divorce in their state.

What can an attorney do for a divorce?

An attorney will be able to help an individual obtain what they seek in their divorce case. Often, important items such as homes and vehicles have to be divided between parties to a divorce. Additionally, there may be children involved, adding a child custody and visitation aspect to the case.

Why is it important to hire a divorce lawyer?

For most individuals, a divorce is simply too complex and emotionally challenging to handle on their own. A divorce lawyer can advise you on the laws of your state and your rights under those laws.

2. General Narrative Information About Your Marriage

You should also be prepared to tell the divorce lawyer about your marriage more generally. In addition to providing details about the date of the marriage and children from the marriage, you should plan to discuss a general narrative of the relationship, concerns you have about the divorce, and any other issues related to the family.

3. Information About a Premarital or Prenuptial Agreement

Is there a premarital or prenuptial agreement? You should be prepared with a copy of the premarital or prenuptial agreement, and to discuss its enforceability with your divorce attorney.

4. List of Separate and Marital Property

Generally speaking, marital property will be distributed as part of the divorce proceedings, while separate property will not. Marital property includes assets and debts from the marriage.

5. Other Financial Information

Are you anticipating that you will need spousal support until you are able to find a job or to acquire a degree? Are you anticipating that you will be paying spousal support? If you have questions or concerns about spousal maintenance or alimony, you should plan to address those with your divorce attorney at your first meeting.

Contact a Divorce Attorney to Discuss Your Case

Preparing to meet with a divorce lawyer can feel intimidating, but it is important to keep in mind that your divorce lawyer will advocate for your rights throughout the process. An experienced divorce attorney can speak with you today about what to expect in your divorce.

Bruce Stanger

My litigation experience includes family law, divorce, product liability, construction law, professional negligence, shareholder disputes, legal malpractice, and general commercial litigation.

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About the Author

As a life empowerment coach, Adina Laver, MBA, M.Ed, CPC helps individuals in transition, particularly separation and divorce, work past the difficult decisions they typically face.

What to expect during a divorce consultation?

The subjects discussed during your consultation will depend on how far along you are in your divorce. Some clients are eager to file for divorce immediately, while others are still unsure if a divorce is right for them and just want some information about their legal rights.

Can an attorney meet with you privately?

An attorney will meet with you privately or may ask your permission to have an assistant sit in on the meeting. Anything you tell your attorney or the assistant will be kept private due to the "attorney-client privilege," and as a result, you don't have to worry about your spouse finding out what you discussed.

Is the Meeting Confidential?

The meeting with your prospective attorney will be completely confidential. An attorney will meet with you privately or may ask your permission to have an assistant sit in on the meeting. Anything you tell your attorney or the assistant will be kept private due to the "attorney-client privilege," and as a result, you don't have to worry about your spouse finding out what you discussed.

What to do before a divorce lawyer visit?

Here are five important steps to take before that all-important initial visit. 1. Don’t Stress Out! Divorce is already stressful enough without having to take on new anxiety about what will happen the first time you meet your lawyer.

What questions should I ask my divorce lawyer?

Questions about divorce that are commonly asked at an initial meeting include: Can I receive temporary child support or spousal support since my spouse no longer resides with me? How and when do we set up a temporary child custody agreement? Should I freeze all of our bank and credit card accounts? Who is responsible for paying the mortgage? Jot these down beforehand so you don’t forget — or better yet, email them to the lawyer in advance of your meeting.