Deciding to file for a divorce is only the beginning of what can be an extremely challenging process that will uproot every aspect of the life you spent with your soon-to-be ex-spouse.
This journey starts with your first meeting with a divorce attorney. Being upfront during the initial meeting about your goals can help you make the most of your time and effectively set the stage for a smoother divorce.
Here are the things you need to prepare for your first meeting.
List your assets and property
Curate a comprehensive list of all the assets and liabilities you obtained before the marriage, including real estate, vehicles, jewelry and other personal properties.
Divorce does not always restore the life you had before getting married, but the assets and finances you own are important in determining asset division. Your attorney will also need to know about your and your spouse’s income and the assets and liabilities you both acquired during the marriage.
Prepare all relevant legal documents
Bring all legal documents related to your marriage, like prenuptial and custody agreements. Also, include any court orders and relevant documentation if there are ongoing or previous legal actions between you and your spouse.
Identify your goals
Carefully consider the outcomes you hope to achieve through the divorce process. This may include your initial plans for asset division or spousal support. If you have children, creating an initial plan for custody arrangements can be a great starting point for discussions.
Understanding your goals can significantly help your attorney represent your best interests effectively.
Brainstorm questions for your attorney
Divorce can be a very stressful and emotionally taxing experience, and it is understandable to have lots of questions throughout the process.
Write down a list of your queries for your divorce attorney. The most common questions during this meeting cover various topics, like the divorce process in general, expected timelines, child custody arrangements, dividing the marital home and alimony payments.
Also, do not hesitate to ask about estimated fees and if there are ways you can save costs during the divorce process.
Meeting with a divorce attorney can seem overwhelming, but this step is crucial for building the next chapter of your life. Your first meeting with your attorney can serve as an opportunity for you to gauge their knowledge and experience and help pave the way for a more manageable divorce process.