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Preparation Goes a Long Way
If you are considering a divorce, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. An initial consultation will allow you to get all of your questions answered as you learn about your legal options. In order to make the most of this meeting, it is important to prepare ahead of time. This blog post will discuss what you should bring to your initial consultation with a divorce attorney.
Asset and Debt Inventory
You will need to provide your attorney with a complete list of all assets and debts. This includes, but is not limited to, real estate (including the home you live in, any rental property, land, etc.), vehicles (cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, etc.), retirement accounts (401k, IRA’s), bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and other investments. You will also need to provide information on any debts you have, including credit cards, lines of credit, loans, etc.
Bringing an asset and debt inventory to your initial consultation is one of the most important things you can do to prepare for your consultation. Your attorney will use this information to begin developing a property division plan that is fair and equitable.
Tax Returns and Financial Documents
You will want to provide your tax returns to your attorney during your initial consultation. Your attorney will use your tax returns to get an idea of your financial situation and what assets may be available to divide between you and your spouse.
In addition to tax returns, you should also bring any other financial documents that you have that show your income, assets, and debts. These may include pay stubs, bank statements, investment account statements, and credit card statements. If you do not have all of these documents with you at the initial consultation, don't worry - your attorney can help you get them.
Family Facts
The attorney will ask you questions about your family situation during your initial consultation. You should be prepared to answer these questions truthfully and accurately.
Some of the questions you can expect the attorney to ask include:
How long have you been married?
What are the ages of your children?
What is your current living situation?
What is your financial situation?
What are your employment circumstances?
If you have a prenuptial agreement, you should bring a copy of it to the initial consultation. The attorney will need to review it to determine what, if any, provisions are enforceable.
You should also be prepared to discuss your reasons for wanting a divorce and your expectations for the divorce process. It is helpful to write down these things in advance to be sure to communicate everything you want to the attorney.
Ready to Get Started?
When you're ready to get started, know that the team at Verner Brumley Mueller Parker is ready to meet with you. We will review your information and guide you on what is the best course of action.
Learn more or schedule your consultation by calling us at (214) 225-6766 or by visiting us online.
