If you’ve decided to file for a divorce, you may be nervous about your first meeting with your divorce attorney. Having a checklist of things to prepare in advance can help make your first meeting go smoothly and efficiently.
What should you bring to your meeting?
Your lawyer will need information from you during your first consultation. Be sure to have your contact information and any information about your marriage, your children, and your and your spouse’s employment handy. You’ll also need to take note of any assets that you and your spouse own, as well as debts and any other liabilities.
Consider your goals for your divorce
It helps to know what you want out of your divorce from the get-go. Make note of any arrangements that would be ideal for you, including any assets you want to keep or any child custody solutions that would work best for you. Also, determine whether you think you and your spouse could opt for alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation or arbitration.
Even if you aren’t entirely sure what you want, or you don’t know what to expect from the courts, having a general idea of your goals can help your attorney formulate a plan and ensure they are working toward your best interests.
Prepare yourself mentally
The idea of divorce can be intimidating, but your lawyer is there to help you. Be prepared to have open discussions about your marriage, answer plenty of questions and ask some of your own. Be sure that you feel comfortable with your attorney, and don’t be afraid to speak up about what you need.