When you first meet with your divorce attorney, there are many things you should bring to the appointment. Most people are so overwhelmed by divorce that they’re not sure what to bring, but the reality is that it’s pretty simple.
You’ll want to sit down before the appointment and write out your major concerns, to start with. You’ll also want to write down any issues regarding children or property.
Some possible issues you’ll want to talk about include:
- Child custody
- Child support
- The religious upbringing preferred for the child
- Your preferences on education, health and dental insurance coverage
- Grandparent visitation
- Your estate plan
- Hidden assets
- Debts
- Business assets
- Equity in the homestead
These are just several of many topics that may need to be discussed during your visit with your attorney. To talk about them fully, you’ll want to think about what you want out of the divorce. Additionally, you should have several documents prepared for the attorney when you arrive. Make copies, or ask for copies to be made, so that you retain the originals for your own record keeping.
A few possible documents that you may want to bring include:
- Bank statements
- Stock portfolios
- Property tax statements
- Utility bills
- Budget worksheets
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
- Proof of income (yours and your spouses)
There are other documents to consider bringing as well. Before the appointment, reach out to your attorney to make sure you know all the documents they’d like to see at the meeting. Having them ready at the first appointment is the best way to get started with your divorce.
