Preparing for a Divorce Consultation

October 22nd, 2024
Posted By
Mark A. Wortman
Divorce concept for a legal blog discussing preparing for a divorce consultation by organizing key details, documents, and questions.

Preparing for a divorce consultation can sometimes feel overwhelming. The first meeting with your attorney provides you with an opportunity to determine whether they are a good fit and allows you to ask questions about the divorce process. At the initial consultation, your attorney can assess your case and advise you regarding the next steps to move forward. However, to get the most out of the consultation, it’s important to prepare in advance.

Here are several crucial steps you should take to prepare for a divorce consultation:

1. Write Down the Details of Your Situation

You should tell your divorce attorney everything that is relevant to your case. However, it can be difficult to remember all the details of your divorce when you need to talk about them. One of the first things you should do to prepare for a divorce consultation is summarize the details of your situation in writing.

Be sure to include the following things in your summary to ensure you have a productive conversation with your divorce attorney:

  • The details regarding your marriage history
  • The reasons for the breakdown in your marriage
  • Information about your children
  • Key issues in your divorce case
  • Any instances of domestic violence or child abuse
  • Annual income and occupation information
  • Information about your marital home
  • Information about your property, assets, and any investments

You will also need to have the full names, dates of birth, and social security numbers of both spouses and any children. This information is necessary to include in the documents to commence a divorce.

2. Gather Important Documents

There is a significant amount of paperwork that is associated with divorce. It’s best to begin gathering these documents as soon as possible to keep organized. Your attorney will need various financial documents and other information to evaluate your case and ensure a fair settlement. In addition, certain documents must be exchanged with your spouse during the discovery process.

The documents you should have on hand to prepare for a divorce consultation can include the following:

  • Marriage certificate
  • Tax returns
  • Bank statements
  • Credit card statements
  • Birth certificates of children
  • Pay stubs
  • Mortgages, deeds, leases, or other property documents
  • Retirement account documents
  • Automobile titles
  • Copies of any court papers
  • Police reports, if applicable
  • Any evidence of spousal wrongdoing

Importantly, bring a copy of any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements that were executed. These may play a crucial role in determining how the case proceeds — as well as deciding certain issues, such as property division, alimony, and debt allocation.

3. Create a List of Separate and Marital Property

Marriage is just as much an economic relationship as it is an emotional one. Any property or assets you acquired during the course of the marriage will be considered marital property and subject to division in divorce. Property that was owned prior to the marriage will belong to the spouse who originally owned it — unless it is commingled with marital property, in which case, division can be more complex.

To prepare for a divorce consultation, create a complete list of your property — and note which items you’d like to negotiate keeping during settlement discussions. Additionally, it’s important to know what debts you and your spouse have acquired during the marriage. List home loans, credit card bills, auto loans, and any other debts. This can help your attorney understand your financial situation so they can advise you regarding your available remedies.

4. Come with a List of Questions

Going through a divorce can be stressful. However, having knowledge about the process and what to expect can help to provide you with peace of mind. It’s important to arrive at the consultation with a list of questions you may have. Questions you might consider writing down to prepare for a divorce consultation can include the following:

You should also consider asking the attorney questions about their experience and approach to practice. Be sure to find out how often you will be communicating with the attorney, what their fee structure is, and what strategy they recommend in your case.

Contact an Experienced Missouri Divorce and Family Law Attorney

When you prepare for a divorce consultation, you can help ensure you get the most out of the first meeting with your attorney. Providing personalized attention in every case, divorce and family law attorney Mark A. Wortman is committed to walking clients every step of the way through the divorce process, from the initial consultation to settlement. Providing skillful representation to clients in the greater Kansas City, Missouri area for divorce matters and a wide array of family law issues, Mark is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome in each case.

If you are going through divorce, schedule a confidential consultation to learn how attorney Mark A. Wortman can help with your case. Please contact him today online or by calling (816) 523-6100.

Categories: Divorce