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Your lawyer should explain how the divorce process will likely play out. It is time to communicate your current expectations.
Bring documentation regarding your and your spouse’s assets and debts (such as financial records, mortgage statements, retirement account balances, and credit card accounts). Also, bring any court documents that have been served on you.
Bring Documents
Your attorney will want to get a clear picture of your financial situation. It includes what you own, what your spouse owns, and what you and your spouse earn monthly. So, it’s best to come prepared with copies of any available documents, including tax returns, credit card statements, mortgage statements, retirement account balances, pay stubs, and business records.
Bringing any documents you and your spouse may have, such as a prenuptial or property settlement agreement, is also necessary. It will help your divorce lawyer better understand what issues might arise and how those might be resolved.
A list of questions about the divorce process and your goals at the end of the case is helpful. It will help your attorney make the most of your time together. It will make them more committed to helping you achieve your goals.
Be Honest
The first meeting is your opportunity to share your background story with the divorce attorney. It includes the reasons for your divorce, including serious problems such as drug abuse, violence, intimidation, exploitation, or siphoning of funds (bank records, mortgage statements, credit card bills).
The lawyer also will want to know what you expect after your case. Be specific about what you wish for custody, child support, and property division.
A competent lawyer can respond to inquiries and lead you through the legal procedure. Bring a pen and paper to take notes when you ask the lawyer your questions. It can be challenging to recall questions due to divorce. Preparing your list will help you stay on track and maximize the value of this first meeting.
Be Prepared
Several matters must be addressed in divorce cases, such as child custody, support (child or spousal), and division of marital property. Having all this information together before the meeting helps get your case started correctly and minimizes the time spent at the first meeting.
It is also essential to bring all the financial information that may be relevant. It includes documents related to you and your spouse’s assets and debts, such as bank statements, retirement or pension fund documentation, mortgage statement, and tax returns. Having any documentation is also beneficial if you run a joint business with your spouse.
Finally, sharing your story with your attorney and why you believe you need a divorce is helpful. While it may be painful to discuss, honesty can help your attorney determine the steps to get the best possible outcome.
Ask Questions
Do not be afraid to ask questions if you have any regarding your predicament or the divorce procedure. It is your chance to learn what to expect and how to proceed.
A lawyer must be ready to respond to your inquiries regarding what to anticipate from the procedure, including how long it might take. They can also describe the many divorce cases and which one might apply to your lawsuit.
Your attorney will likely want to know why you are seeking a divorce. Be open and honest about what’s going on in your marriage and why you think a divorce is necessary. They can help you avoid surprises if they have a clear picture of what’s happening. You can discuss custody of children or the division of property.
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