Admitting that your marriage isn’t working is difficult emotionally. It can also be frightening because it’s natural to worry about how you will pay the bills, can you keep the marital home, what will happen to your children, and will your spouse cooperate or contest everything. When spouses meet with their divorce lawyer for the first time, they’ll have many questions. Choosing a divorce attorney includes expecting that experienced divorce lawyers will answer their questions and guide them step-by-step through the divorce process. How to prepare for a divorce begins with choosing the best divorce lawyer in New Jersey.
How to prepare for your initial divorce consultation
There are many questions spouses should consider before they discuss how to prepare for a divorce. There are many practical issues they should consider too. Don’t worry. Our lawyers understand your anxiety. At the initial divorce attorney consultation, we’ll review the questions to ask a divorce attorney on a first visit that you have and the ones you likely missed.
Most spouses think about what questions to ask the divorce lawyer at the first meeting by Googling them on the Internet. It’s also common for a spouse to ask a family member, friend, or coworker how to prepare for divorce. It helps to prepare a list of questions to ask at the initial divorce consultation in your head, on paper, or digitally – in a place that your spouse or children can’t access.
Potential Financial Pitfalls to Know When Preparing for Divorce in New Jersey
It helps to come to the initial divorce consultation with as much financial information as you can. Some of the basic information you’ll need includes:
- Your income and your spouse’s income and income for the past several years. If you have copies of your tax returns, bring them.
- The value of your home and mortgage.
- A list of your financial accounts and retirement accounts.
- A list of your personal property.
- An itemization of your debts including credit cards and loans.
Some of the questions to ask the divorce lawyer at first meeting that address your financial concerns include the following:
- How is my property starting with my home divided?
- What types of alimony can be awarded in New Jersey?
- A major concern a spouse has when considering how to prepare for a divorce is – how do I support myself while the divorce is pending?
- Another concern a spouse has when considering how to prepare for a divorce is – are there ways to resolve divorces so the divorce doesn’t cost too much?
- Can I access joint accounts?
- Can I remove valuables from the house?
- I’ve heard this term “equitable distribution,” – what does that term mean?
- Can I protect my business? Do I have an interest in my husband or wife’s business?
Family and emotional issues
Many spouses, when thinking through how to prepare for the initial consultation with a divorce attorney, focus on the personal side. Some of the many questions spouses have when considering how to prepare for a divorce concern the spouse:
- Should I use social media during the divorce?
- Can I date during the divorce?
Other questions spouses have when considering how to prepare for a divorce concern the children:
- How is custody decided?
- Can the judge order temporary custody?
- Can I receive temporary child support?
- Can I refuse to let my ex see the kids – while the divorce is pending? After the divorce is final?
- What amount of child support can I expect?
When thinking through how to prepare for a divorce, spouses should consider how to prepare their children for the divorce too.
Experienced divorce lawyers understand that divorce is an evolving process. We’ll answer all your questions along the way. We’ll explain your rights while the divorce is pending and your rights after the divorce becomes final.
We’ll review with you all the financial information you’ll need and the financial information we’ll be seeking from your spouse. We’ll help you understand how to protect yourself emotionally and what to expect when the divorce becomes final.
Call us today to discuss how to prepare for your divorce
At DeTorres & DeGeorge Family Law, our divorce lawyers help you prepare for your divorce. We understand that just breathing may be difficult let alone thinking through everything you need to know. We resolve most divorces through settlements and alternatives to trial. We’re ready to try your case before the family law judge when necessary. To discuss how to prepare for divorce and all your divorce rights, call us at 908-691-2104 or fill out our contact form to make an appointment. We have offices in Clinton and Florham Park.