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Choosing to get a divorce can be an overwhelming, but sometimes necessary choice. There are several tasks that you will have to cross off the divorce checklist, and one is usually meeting with a divorce attorney. A divorce attorney is with you every step of the way of the divorce journey. That is why meeting your lawyer for the first time can be intimidating moment. Here are some things you can do to prepare yourself to meet your divorce attorney.

What to Bring to Meet Your Divorce Attorney

When meeting your lawyer for the first time, there are a few basic items that you should bring along. It is essential that you provide your divorce attorney with a comprehensive document file. By doing this, you will feel more organized and in control, and you’ll be helping yourself get prepared for the “discovery” process as well.

Legal documentation you should provide your lawyer includes:

• Income-Related Documents – Tax returns, paycheck stubs, additional income, bank statements, your spouse’s paycheck stubs, financial statements, and profit and loss statements
• Real Estate Documents – Mortgage statements, legal description of real estate, real estate tax statements, and purchase documentation
• Vehicle Documents – Title and registration, debt, and invoices for any vehicle, including automobiles, boats, farm equipment, etc.
• Financial Account Documents – Bank statements from joint or separate accounts, individual or joint investment statements, and saving passbooks or certificates
• Life Insurance Documents – You, your spouse, and, if applicable, your children’s life insurance policies
• Debt Documents – Credit card statements, medical bills, and loans for both you and your spouse
• Pension Documents – 401(k), retirement funds, IRAs, mutual funds, and pension funds

What to Ask Your Divorce Lawyer

It is essential that you feel your divorce attorney is a right fit for you and your divorce. Even if you do proper research, asking valuable questions can solidify confidence in your choice. There are a few important questions that you can ask your divorce attorney to determine if they are right for your case.

• Do you primarily handle divorce cases?
• What would your strategy be for my divorce case?
• What is the difference between an uncontested divorce and an uncontested divorce?
• What costs, other than attorney fees, will I have to pay?
• How do you predict a judge could rule on my case?

What Your Attorney May Ask

Just as you might ask your attorney questions, they will likely have some prepared for you as well. A divorce attorney wants to make sure you and your case are the right fit for them and their practice. Understanding the questions that your attorney may inquire about can help you prepare for the answers. There is a wide variety of questions they may ask, but there are a few key inquiries that you may want to think about.

• Why are you getting a divorce?
• Are you and your spouse separated?
• What are the most important aspects and goals of this case for you?
• What are your assets, debts, and financial situation?
• Where do you currently work and live?
• Are you interested in pursuing settlement negotiations?  Do you think your spouse would be?

Contact a Divorce Attorney

Above all, you should be in the right headspace when preparing to meet an attorney. Divorce is already a difficult process, so do not be burdened by the process of choosing and meeting with a divorce attorney. An attorney is your go-to during a divorce, so you want to make sure you are choosing someone you trust and have confidence in.

Get in touch with Striker Law Firm to learn what they can do for you and your divorce case.