How To Be Prepared For A Consultation With A Divorce Attorney
About 40–50% of married couples in the United States end up getting a divorce. This number is even more significant for people who have been married before. Divorce is common in our society, but no one ever tells us what to expect when it does. A meeting with a divorce lawyer can help you answer many questions about divorce.
Your first meeting with your divorce lawyer will help you get ready for your divorce, but how do you prepare for a divorce meeting? We'll tell you what to expect at your consultation and what to bring with you. Read on to find out how to create the most of a divorce consultation and get ready for a divorce.
How to Get Ready for a Divorce: The Meeting
Many people who are going through a divorce start by looking for a lawyer. When you find a lawyer you like, you'll meet with them for a consultation. This first meeting will allow you to get to know the lawyer and ask some questions. People often wonder what to await when they meet with a divorce lawyer for the first time.
Depending on your divorce case, different things will happen during your consultation. For example, divorce papers have already been filed in some situations. The couple has already talked about the divorce and decided to work together rather than fight in court most of the time.
On the other hand, some people need a divorce lawyer because of an emergency. Maybe their soon-to-be-ex-spouse is acting irrationally, or they are being abused at home. During your consultation, what is discussed and what steps are taken will depend on your situation.
Being ready is key
If you're ready, you'll have the best chance of keeping your interests safe during the divorce. Most of the time, a client who wants to get divorced comes in with a list of questions. Papers might have been filed recently or will be soon. Your lawyer will explain how your divorce can go and what each step will look like. Your lawyer will want to know a lot about you.
They need to learn about you and your life. After your consultation, you may be questioned to do some study to find out as much as you can about your assets, finances, liabilities, and everyday expenses. Both people need to have a clear picture of the assets, debts, and incomes they share. Also, it's essential to know that this meeting will be kept secret.
How Can You Tell Whether a Lawyer is Right for You?
Divorce can be the most challenging thing you'll ever have to deal with. So, it would help if you chose a lawyer who understands both your emotional and financial needs. It would assist if you were sure that the lawyer you choose is good at what they do. You can find out by doing the research before your first appointment.
When you meet in person, the right lawyer for you should answer your questions and explain how they work precisely and carefully. They should care about how you feel and be sensitive to that. After your consultation, you should know what to do next and what to expect.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
It would assist if you got ready for your appointment by bringing as much paperwork as possible. If you don't bring anything, it will be harder for your lawyer to figure out what your case is about. Eventually, you'll have to get this information, so bring it to your consultation to speed up the process.
Tax Returns
Often, your tax return is the best way to get a complete picture of your financial situation. This is particularly real if you and your spouse haven't always filed your taxes together.
Pay Stubs
You and your spouse should each bring at least three months' worth of pay stubs. This will help your lawyer understand your finances and give you a rough idea of how much alimony you might have to pay.
Legal Documents
Bring any legal documents that have to do with your marriage. These things could be:
- Prenuptial agreements
- Passports and Social Security cards
- The birth records of children
- Documents from any previous court cases in which your children or spouse were involved
- Separation contracts
Probability of Incriminating Evidence
Your lawyer needs to know about any evidence that could be used against you or your spouse which has to do with the divorce. This could be anything that proves cheating or abuse, like posts on social media, texts, photos, videos, or notes.
Questions for Your Lawyer
During your consultation, you can ask your lawyer essential questions. You may have an idea of how things will go, but it's necessary to be able to talk to your lawyer.
Here are some vital questions you must ask:
- Do you help people with things besides divorce and family law?
- How long have you been assisting people who get divorced?
- How much do you charge?
- How will you tell me what's going on with my case?
- What can I await during the process of getting a divorce?
- How will a decision be made about who will care for my kids?
- Will I have to pay alimony or spousal support, or will I get it?
- How will our joint property be split?
