Whether the first appointment with your attorney is free or whether you are paying a consultation fee, you want to get all that you can from the first meeting. You will want your attorney to understand the basic facts of your case, including the assets and debts that you and your spouse have accumulated.
Most attorneys will ask you to bring some or all of the following information:
1. Your tax returns for the last 3 years – Tax returns will often contain information concerning assets, pension plans, retirement accounts, and investment accounts. The tax returns are also useful in determining alimony and/or child support.
2. Bank statements and investment statements – These statements are part of the marital estate and provide a pre-divorce picture of your financial situation.
3. Pay stubs – Pay stubs include information regarding health insurance, life insurance policies, retirement plans, bonuses and overtime, as well as reimbursement for business expenses such as mileage and cell phones. It is helpful to provide at least one month of pay stubs for you and your spouse in order to prove true income.
4. Real estate documents – Copies of deeds, mortgages, and property tax statements for all real estate owned by you or your spouse. You will also need to provide copies of documents regarding any real estate either you or your spouse sold within the past three years.
5. Miscellaneous – Any and all documents, pictures, or written notes that will help to explain your situation or which relate to the grounds for your divorce.
Understandably, most people are nervous when they meet with their attorney. It may help you to write down questions that you want to have answered during the meeting. Most attorneys will be sure that you understand the time involved, the process that must be followed, and the costs and fees of a divorce.
The information presented in this article is a general guide and is not legal advice. Every situation is different. Consult with your attorney as soon as possible before taking any action.
