When ending a marriage, many people hire a divorce attorney. Though the Do-It-Yourself approach is more accessible than ever, having legal representation is often beneficial.
Once you start looking for an attorney, another question comes up: How do you prepare for an initial consultation with a divorce lawyer?
Preparing for an Initial Consultation With a Divorce Lawyer
Divorce can be stressful and emotional, which makes it difficult to know what to expect from that first meeting. A little preparation helps you make the most of your consultation and determine whether an attorney is the right fit for your case.
1. Collect Personal and Financial Information
During an initial consultation, a divorce lawyer needs basic information about you, your spouse, your finances, and your family.
Gather basic information for you and your spouse, including:
- Names.
- Addresses.
- Phone numbers.
- Places of employment.
- Birthdays.
You should also collect relevant financial documents, such as:
- Recent tax documents.
- Bank statements.
- Credit card accounts.
- Other pertinent financial records.
Your attorney will also need information about your current living situation and any children involved.
If you think something may be relevant to your divorce, bring it along. It’s better to have information available and not need it than to discover during the meeting that it’s important.
Related Reading: Divorce Discovery Tools
2. Make a List of Questions
You probably have questions about what happens next. Write them down before your consultation so you don’t forget important topics during the meeting.
Questions may involve the overall divorce process or issues specific to your situation.
The cost of divorce and how long the process takes are common concerns. Keep in mind that both depend heavily on the circumstances. Generally, more complex or contentious cases take longer and cost more.
You can also discuss child custody, property division, debts, separate property, and other financial concerns.
If you own a shared business or have other significant assets, ask how divorce may affect your interests.
The goal is to leave the consultation with a clearer understanding of your options and what the process may look like.
Related Reading: What’s My Ex Entitled To in Divorce?
3. Know What You Want Out of Divorce
Before meeting with an attorney, think about your priorities. Knowing what matters most helps your lawyer understand your goals and evaluate possible strategies.
If you have significant shared property, consider what you want to keep. This may include the marital home, vehicles, financial assets, or personal property.
If you have children, think about what you want the parenting arrangement to look like. Consider residential schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and how parenting time may work after the divorce.
You don’t need to have every detail figured out. The point is to identify your biggest priorities and concerns before the meeting.
Finding the Right Divorce Lawyer
An initial consultation isn’t just an opportunity for an attorney to evaluate your case. It’s also your chance to evaluate the attorney.
Pay attention to how clearly the lawyer answers your questions, whether you feel comfortable communicating with them, and whether their approach fits your goals.
An initial consultation does not mean you’ve hired that attorney or that you’re obligated to retain their services. Think of it as an audition. If the attorney doesn’t feel like the right fit, you can continue looking.
Related Reading: Types Of Divorce In California