If you are meeting with an attorney to discuss the possibility of divorce, you will want to prepare beforehand. Chances are that this is your first divorce, and you are nervous and not sure what to do. It may be helpful to know what homework you should do before your initial consultation with a divorce lawyer. You will want to be entirely honest with your attorney in order to get the best results out of your divorce.
For example, if you were abused by your spouse during the marriage, or received a sexually transmitted disease from him or her because of infidelity, then you will want to confide this to your attorney. Some details may be embarrassing, but it is essential that you practice honesty in order to get the best results out of your divorce trial.
In case you are worried, you should be relieved to know that the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Responsibility bars lawyers from sharing your confidential information with any third parties unless it is necessary for the divorce case. Even if you don’t hire an attorney after the initial consultation, you can be sure that he or she will not go around sharing your personal information with others.
A consultation is the first meeting with your attorney. Normally, this is a free meeting where you get to know the attorney and explain the services that you are seeking. If you believe that you can connect with the attorney and trust him or her to work hard on your case, then you can strike a deal and begin your legal partnership. When you arrive to the consultation, you should bring all paperwork that has to do with your separation or divorce.
For example, if you have already filed for separation, you will want to bring those documents to your consultation to prove to your lawyer that this step is already complete. You will also want to bring all of your financial information. This includes information about your income that is made from your job and any investments. If you have a family business and you and your spouse are involved in the work together, then this is also significant and you will want to inform your attorney of this fact. Some attorneys will ask to see recent pay stubs and three years’ worth of tax returns. Bringing these papers to the initial consultation can save time and confusion.
You will also want to list all of your assets including real estate, personal property, and investments. Explain to your attorney what assets are yours and what assets are your spouse’s. You will then want to list expenses. If you have a detailed budget it might be best to bring this to the consultation. If you have children, it is essential that you mention this and outline the costs associated with their upbringing. You will also want to talk to your lawyer about all liabilities like debts, a mortgage, or any other payments that you are still paying. Student loans, car payments, and more all need to be listed at your initial consultation.
If you have a prenuptial agreement or postnuptial agreement, then bring copy of this along with you to the consultation. Your attorney will want to carefully consider the provisions outlined in the agreement. Tell your attorney if you or your spouse no longer agrees with the stipulations outlined in the agreement. As well, you will want to bring any documentation regarding your children to the consultation. If your spouse abuses the children, bring medical and police records as proof if you have any.
The more tangible proof that you have the better your chances will be that you will receive custody of your kids. If your spouse has been in jail, then you may also want to bring documentation proving this to your consultation. Put all these necessary papers in an organized file so that you will be able to have a profitable meeting with your attorney. If you are looking for an attorney to represent you in court, explore this directory to find a reliable and compassionate lawyer near you!