WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST MEETING WITH YOUR DIVORCE ATTORNEY

Divorce is a stressful and difficult process for anyone. Sorting out issues related to child custody, dividing up the marital estate and planning for an independent future are all potentially thorny issues that can quickly overwhelm even the strongest person.

While some spouses try to go it alone, most people facing divorce choose to hire a lawyer to help them through the process. While it does cost more to have professional representation, this is often the only way to ensure you receive what you are entitled to in a divorce. To maximize the efficiency of your first meeting with your new attorney – and minimize costs – nothing beats being prepared.

At that first meeting, your attorney will want to discuss three major issues. While final resolution of these topics will be sorted out during the divorce process, an initial discussion of each will give your attorney an idea of a negotiation starting point for each.

Minor Children – This includes things like child custody and visitation, child support, step-children issues, health insurance, college education, religious upbringing, and income tax deductions.

Property – Be prepared to identify all the property you own, including real estate, business interests, professional degrees and practices, retirement benefits, vehicles, inheritances, saving and investment accounts, and anything else of value. Likewise, your attorney will want to know what outstanding debts and liabilities you have.

Spousal Support – If you are seeking spousal support (alimony) or suspect your spouse will ask for it, make sure your attorney understands this from the start. He or she will advise you as to the factors that go in to an award of spousal support, and whether your circumstances suggest that this sort of support will be likely.

Other Matters – If your situation involves any sort of abuse or threats of abuse, you must alert your attorney at that first meeting, so appropriate actions can be taken sooner rather than later. Also be ready to discuss attorney fees and expenses, and the resources you have available to pay them.

Besides being prepared to discuss these issues, you should also gather all relevant paperwork and documentation and bring it to that first meeting. This will save your attorney time and save you fees. You can find a comprehensive list of required documents here.

To learn more about how a Divorce Transitional Support Advisor can help you or your client regain financial stability after a divorce, please visit our website.