The initial consultation with a family law attorney should provide you with vital information about the divorce process, a briefing on the applicable laws, and advise you about your rights and potential obligations. If you are unsure of how to prepare for a consultation with a divorce attorney, consider the following suggestions:
- If the law office does not have an official intake process for potential clients, ask the firm’s support staff if an initial questionnaire is available to provide your relevant information to the attorney, along with important facts of the case.
- Prepare a list of your most important questions. Be specific with what you want to know in order to us the time wisely. Understand that not all questions can be answered during the consultation and may require further research.
- Familiarize yourself with your marital finances and if possible, bring a recent personal and/or business tax return, W-2 and recent pay stub with you. Prepare and bring with you a list of the marital assets and debts.
- Be honest and open in your communication with the attorney. Keep an open mind and be realistic. The consultation is a place to learn what may lie ahead during your divorce, even if it is hard to hear.
At the conclusion of the consultation, a top family law attorney will leave you feeling better informed, if not comforted and equipped with solid information to decide your next step.