Questions to Have Ready for Your Initial Consult with a Divorce Attorney

Meeting with a divorce attorney for the first time can feel intimidating. Whether you're beginning the divorce process or simply exploring your options, this consultation is a crucial step in understanding your legal rights and the road ahead. Being prepared can make a significant difference—not only in the outcome of the meeting but also in ensuring you feel confident and informed throughout the process.

To get the most value from your initial consultation, it’s essential to come ready with a set of questions and relevant documents. This blog will guide you through what to prepare, empowering you to make the most of your appointment.

Preparing for Your Consultation

Preparation is key to a productive consultation. Here are the five most important areas you should focus on before meeting with a divorce attorney.

1. Personal Information

The attorney will need details about you, your spouse, and your family to provide tailored advice. Compiling the following information in advance will save time and make the discussion more efficient:

• Basic Personal Details:

  • Your full name, your spouse's full name, and any other relevant family members' names

  • Date of marriage and, if applicable, separation

  • Names and ages of any children from the marriage

• Background Information:

  • Any previous marriages or divorces for either party 

  • Current living arrangements

  • Key details about your relationship, like reasons for seeking the divorce (if you'd like to share)

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This data provides context for the attorney to understand your situation and tailor their advice appropriately.

2. Financial Information

Financial matters are a critical aspect of any divorce case. Attorneys need an accurate picture of your finances to advise you on division of assets, spousal support, child support, and more. Here’s what to gather:

• Recent pay stubs for both you and your spouse

• Tax returns from the last two to three years

• Bank account statements (checking, savings, and other accounts)

• Investment portfolios

• Retirement accounts, including pensions

• Life insurance policies

• Income sources outside of employment (e.g., rental properties, freelance work)

Not all of this information may be immediately accessible, but bring as much as possible to give the attorney a comprehensive financial overview.

3. List of Assets and Liabilities

Documenting your marital assets and debts is equally important. This information helps the attorney assess potential property division outcomes. Be thorough to ensure no details are overlooked.

Assets to List:

• Real estate (family home, rental properties, vacation homes)

• Vehicles (cars, motorcycles, boats)

• Furniture, jewelry, and other valuable personal property

• Business ownership or shares

• Any other high-value items, like art collections

Liabilities to Note:

• Mortgages or loans on real estate

• Credit card balances

• Personal loans

• Student loans

• Tax debts

If you’re unsure of the exact values for certain items, provide estimates or bring supporting documentation, such as account statements or appraisals.

4. Questions About the Attorney

Your initial consultation is also your opportunity to evaluate whether the attorney is the right fit for your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to better understand their qualifications, experience, and working style. Here are a few essential ones:

• Experience:

  • How long have you been practicing family law?

  • How many divorce cases have you handled?

  • Do you specialize in complex divorces (e.g., high-net-worth, child custody disputes)?

• Approach:

  • Do you typically encourage mediation, or do you prefer litigation?

  • What is your philosophy when negotiating divorce settlements?

• Process:

  • What steps will we take if I choose to proceed with your representation?

  • How often will we communicate, and through which channels?

• Costs:

  • What is your fee structure? (Hourly rate? Flat fee?)

  • What additional costs should I anticipate (e.g., filing fees, external expert costs)?

By asking these questions, you’ll not only gather valuable information but also gauge whether their approach aligns with your goals and values.

5. Define Your Goals

Before the consultation, take some time to reflect on what you want to achieve from the divorce. These personal goals will help the attorney provide advice that aligns with your priorities. Consider these questions:

• Are you seeking full custody, shared custody, or visitation rights for your children?

• Are you aiming to retain the family home, or are you open to selling and splitting the proceeds?

• What are your financial priorities? (e.g., minimizing spousal support payments or ensuring a fair division of assets)

• Are you willing to consider mediation to avoid prolonged litigation?

Being clear about your objectives upfront ensures the attorney fully understands what’s most important to you. It can also help guide strategies for negotiation or court proceedings later on.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Divorce is rarely a simple process, but preparation can help reduce the stress and uncertainty that often come with it. By organizing your personal and financial information, documenting assets and liabilities, preparing a strong list of questions, and defining your goals, you’ll walk into your consultation feeling ready and empowered.

Every divorce case is unique, and the advice you'll receive will depend on the specifics of your situation. The more you can share during that first meeting, the better equipped your attorney will be to help you move forward.

If you're ready to begin this process, consider scheduling that all-important first consultation today. Your future self will thank you for taking this step.