what to bring up to divorce attorney consultation

What to Bring to Your Divorce Consultation

• A Factual Outline of Your Marriage and Reason for Divorce. The first thing you should make sure you have when you...
• Financial Documents. Your divorce attorney will also need to understand your financial information to begin planning for...
• Copies of Important Legal Documents. You may have records or other legal documents that...

Full Answer

What should you bring to an initial divorce consultation?

What to Bring to Your Consultation With a Divorce Lawyer. During your first meeting, bring all documentation you think might be relevant. You’re always better off providing information to your attorney and letting them decide how to proceed instead of potentially holding something back that might help your case.

How to prepare for your initial divorce consultation?

You should also bring a copy of your most current paystub, the last 2 years of taxes, and information on any assets belonging to both spouses. 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.

What are good questions to ask a divorce attorney?

Aug 21, 2017 · Here are some of the most useful documents you can bring: Intake Form. Most family law lawyers have an intake form that gives them a snapshot of the issues and your goals, and... Agreements. If you and your spouse signed a prenuptial agreement or a postnuptial agreement (or if you’ve been working... ...

What to expect during a divorce consultation?

Mar 22, 2020 · What to Bring to Your Consultation Tax Returns. Tax returns are often the best way to get a comprehensive look at your financial situation. This is... Pay Stubs. You should bring at least 3 months' worth of paystubs for you and your spouse. This will help your attorney... Legal Documents. You should ...

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 documents are needed for a marriage?

You should bring any legal paperwork that is relevant to your marriage. This might include: 1 Prenuptial agreements 2 You and your children's social security cards and passports 3 Birth certificates of children 4 Documents from any prior legal proceedings involving your children or spouse 5 Separation agreements

Why is being prepared important?

Being Prepared is Key. Being prepared will help give you the best chance to protect your interests during the divorce. In most cases, a client comes in with a list of questions about getting divorced. Papers may have been recently filed or will be filed soon.

What to ask after a consultation?

After your consultation, you may be asked to do some research to learn as much as you can about your finances, assets, liabilities, and regular expenses. It's important for both parties to have a clear understanding of their shared assets, debts, and incomes. It's also important to note that this meeting is confidential.

What is a consultation with an attorney?

Your consultation is your chance to ask your attorney some important questions. You might have an idea of how things are going to go, but it's important to have an open line of communication with your attorney.

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.

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.

Main Issues to Discuss with Your Divorce Attorney

The checklists below, organized into general categories, can give you an idea of what documents you'll need to gather as well as issues to discuss with your divorce attorney.

Get Legal Help with Your Divorce

The legal issues involved in a divorce are numerous and complex, which is why it can be daunting to go through a divorce without legal representation. Contact a local divorce attorney who can answer any questions and help guide you through the divorce process.

Starting the Divorce Process: Related Resources

If you're just starting the divorce process or planning to do so, you may feel overwhelmed by all of the steps required. If you also have children, the process can be much more emotionally draining. The following resources will help you make sense of your state's divorce laws and the divorce process in general.

If You're Getting Divorced, Don't Go it Alone: An Attorney Can Help

After determining which documents to show your divorce attorney at that first consultation, you'll want to find the right attorney. But just because a lawyer has a lot of experience and great credentials doesn't mean they're necessarily the right fit, since style and personalities vary widely.

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’…

See more on lawinfo.com

Financial Documents

Copies of Important Legal Documents

A List of Questions and Goals

Confidentiality During A Divorce Consultation