what assets to bring to divorce attorney consultation

What should I bring to my divorce consultation?

When consulting with a divorce lawyer, bring all legal and professional documents related to monthly earnings, bank accounts, real estate, and other assets owned individually and jointly. You’ll also want to bring a list of questions you have about the legal process. Here’s an in-depth look at what to bring to a divorce lawyer.

What assets are subject to be split in a divorce?

The Initial Consultation with Your Divorce Attorney: ... Few people truly want to consult with a matrimonial attorney relative to a divorce. When ... necessary for you to make a trip to the prospective attorney’s office. What to Bring With You to Your First Meeting: There is nothing that you must bring ...

What can I expect at a complimentary divorce consultation?

What to bring to your consultation with your divorce attorney. There is nothing like the word divorce being thrown around to destabilize your marriage and your life. If you are reading this blogpost, you are likely considering a divorce, or your spouse is demanding one. It is hard to figure out what step to take next.

Do divorce lawyers offer free initial consultations?

Jan 25, 2019 · Potential clients then divulge some salient information that usually led to the divorce (an affair or an addiction). If you have any evidence regarding that issue, bring that evidence with you to the initial consultation. Even a photo of alleged marital assets (especially cash and jewelry) can help.

What documents are needed for divorce?

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: 1 Your marriage license 2 Prenuptial agreements 3 Children’s birth certificates 4 Wills and living wills 5 Power of attorney forms 6 Any other legal records that relate to your or your spouse, such as police reports or relevant contracts

Why is it important to have a divorce attorney write down?

It’s better to have it written down to reduce the chance that you forget to say something you wanted to include. Include information on: The more facts a divorce attorney has when you first meet with them, the more accurately they can begin to set your expectations for the proceedings.

What is a power of attorney?

Power of attorney forms. Any other legal records that relate to your or your spouse, such as police reports or relevant contracts. These documents will help your divorce attorney know where the opportunities and obstacles are in helping you achieve what you want out of your divorce proceedings.

Can a lawyer help you with divorce?

While divorce may be common, when you go through it yourself, you still deserve dedicated, personal focus on your rights and unique situation. An experienced divorce lawyer can help you figure out the best way forward, explain the law, and represent you in court if it is ever necessary.

Is divorce predictable?

Each divorce, like each relationship, is different, so while parts of the process may be predictable, there are always variables that create specific needs and circumstances that can be harder to anticipate. Planning correctly from the start is one of the best ways to get the outcomes you want from your divorce proceedings ...

What is a complimentary divorce consultation?

A complimentary divorce consultation gives you a chance to form expectations for your divorce and to learn what the consulting attorney has to offer. Bringing a few key documents can help you take full advantage of your consultation. The more information you provide your lawyer, the clearer an expectation they can give you for your case.

Why is it important to have a divorce lawyer?

This is important, because while you want a lawyer who can get you the best divorce deal, you also want a lawyer who understands you, your family, and the difficult situation you are going through.

What is the impact of divorce on retirement?

Pension and Retirement Plans. The retirement funds and plans you receive from divorce will have a significant impact on your post-retirement life. Whether you or your spouse have a pension plan, an Individual Retirement Account, or a 401 (k), the most recent statements from your retirement accounts can allow your lawyer to determine whether you ...

What is a tax return?

A tax return, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive picture of your finances. With the right information, your consulting lawyer can draw a strong expectation of how your income will affect maintenance (alimony) and division of assets.

Can you split assets in a divorce?

Assets which are considered marital property are subject to be split in a divorce, while assets considered non-marital property are not. For your initial consultation, all you need to bring is your and your spouse's recent bank statements, and a list of assets you each own.

Do you need to prove income to divorce?

Documentation of Income. During the divorce process, you will be required to proved documentation of your income. For the initial consultation, simply having the numbers at hand is more than sufficient, although having documents such as pay stubs and tax returns never hurt.

Is it good to have mortgage statements?

Having the mortgage statements, deeds, and documentation of your real estate can be beneficial, but just the value and equity of your real estate property is enough information to bring to your first consultation.

Why consult an attorney regarding your divorce?

There are many reasons why you should consult an attorney, some of which are:

What should you bring to a divorce consultation?

It is helpful to bring a narrative the issues at hand, and a list of questions and concerns with you to a consultation for divorce with your attorney. It is hard to remember every detail and question during such an emotional time, and while discussing a difficult subject as divorce.

Who should come to the divorce consultation?

You need as much support as you can get during difficult times such as when you are getting a divorce. A lot of personal issues are discussed during a divorce consultation and it is important that the support person you bring with you will keep confidences and not interject their personal opinion on YOUR divorce.

What to expect from your consultation with a divorce attorney?

Your divorce lawyer will evaluate the information you provide during the consultation, ask questions, then propose a strategy to move forward (or to prepare to receive divorce papers) that will best protect you and your child. A Hoyer Law attorney will present a plan that is feasible within Utah Divorce Law.

1. Bring A List of Prepared Questions

Going through a divorce is an emotional process, but don’t let yourself mistake a divorce consultation for a therapy session. Remember, this is a time to ask legal questions and get answers you cannot find from other people.

2. Bring Real Estate Information to Your Divorce Consultation

Make sure you bring along any information about the property you and your partner own. You’ll want to grab things like your escrow papers, mortgage statements, and deeds.

3. Bring Relevant Legal Documents to Your Divorce Consultation

Throughout the length of your marriage, you might have gathered a large amount of legal paperwork. You should bring as many of these relevant documents as you can remember.

4. Bring Pay Stubs and Tax Returns to Your Divorce Consultation

Your lawyer will want to know how much money you and your spouse make for the household. To give them a good idea of how your income breaks out, bring the three most recent paystubs from both you and your partner if possible.

5. Bring Incriminating Evidence (If You Have It) to Your Divorce Consultation

You might not have any incriminating evidence, but if you do, make sure you bring it along. This evidence might include photos, videos, notes/messages, or social media posts relating to the divorce. This evidence might be proof of things like cheating or abuse.

Getting a Divorce Consultation

Make sure you go into your divorce consultation with an open mind. You might want to get certain things out of the divorce, but you might not get them all. Instead, make sure you listen to your lawyer’s expert advice.

What is a Divorce Consultation?

A divorce consultation is the first step to hiring a divorce attorney. It’s your chance to get to know them and ask questions, while the attorney can learn more about you and your case. At the end, if both parties want to move forward, you can discuss signing a retainer agreement to hire the attorney to represent you.

What to Bring to a Divorce Consultation: Now You Know

Preparing for your divorce consultation is essential to get the information you need and start the divorce process. Bringing the above items will help ensure you and the attorney can get to know the info needed to move forward. Have a question or something to add? Leave a comment below for our readers.

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Lisa Derr

Lisa Derr is an experienced Divorce and Family Mediator with three offices in east central Wisconsin. She started the family mediation practice in 1995. Lisa earned her BA in psychology from the University of Wisconsin in 1984 in four years despite a serious car accident that involved a 2-month hospital stay. She began practicing law in 1987.

What is a 401(k) statement?

401 (k), IRA or other retirement account statements, including account balances and account numbers. Stock, bond or other investment account statements, including account balances and account numbers. Statements relating to any debts you may have such as mortgages, credit card accounts, student loans, and other debts.

Does attorney-client privilege extend to third parties?

However, this attorney-client privilege does not extend to third parties, including anyone you may bring with you to a consultation. A third party who is privy to confidential attorney-client communication may be asked under oath (in a deposition, for example) what the client and attorney discussed and will have to answer.

Can an attorney give advice to an unrepresented spouse?

The attorney who drafted the agreement for his or her client cannot give the other , unrepresented spouse any legal advice or answer any of their questions about the documents offered other than to recommend if they have such questions they should get their own attorney.

A Factual Outline of Your Marriage and Reason For Divorce

• The first thing you should make sure you have when you consult with a divorce lawyer is an outline of the facts you want to share with them. You may feel like you know the story of your marriage well enough, but it can be easy for important information or details you wanted to share to slip your mind when you have so much to consider and work through during a consultation. It’…

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Financial Documents

Copies of Important Legal Documents

A List of Questions and Goals

Confidentiality During A Divorce Consultation

Documentation of Income

• During the divorce process, you will be required to proved documentation of your income. For the initial consultation, simply having the numbers at hand is more than sufficient, although having documents such as pay stubs and tax returns never hurt. Pay stubs reflect work bonuses, compensation, and other benefits you receive. These are all important factors when determinin…

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Financial Assets

Pension and Retirement Plans

Real Estate

Legal Documents Related to Your Marriage and Family

Create A List of Questions You May Have