1) Should I be represented by a lawyer?
Since property settlements can be very complicated, a lawyer can help you decide which of your belongings are marital property and which are separate property, and advise you as to how the court will divide that property. A lawyer will also be able to assist you in drafting a separation agreement in order to document your arrangements with your spouse. A lawyer might also be able to help you plan matters where timing is important. For example, you might not know that you must be married for at least ten years in order to qualify for social security spousal benefits, or that if you wait until you are 55 to sell the marital residence, you get a tax break. A lawyer can also advise you if an unexpected problem comes up, for instance, if your spouse files for bankruptcy before you receive money due to you in a property settlement. A lawyer may be able to help you notify your spouse about the divorce if you are unable to do so. Additionally, a lawyer can advise you on how much money, if any, you should pay or receive for alimony or child support.

2) How can I prepare for meeting with a lawyer?
It will be helpful for you to gather certain documents in preparation for your first meeting with your attorney. Locate and copy your important documents, including:

1. Financial statements,
2. Income tax returns,
3. Corporate tax returns,
4. Partnership tax returns,
5. Bank statements (business and personal),
6. Check registers,
7. Canceled checks,
8. Brokerage statements, and
9. Children's bank account statements.

In a contested equitable distribution case, these documents will be very helpful in determining just what your family's assets are. In a child support or alimony case they will help to determine the amount of support you will pay or receive.