Meeting with a divorce attorney for the first time is a nerve-wracking experience. The best way to calm your nerves in this type of situation is to prepare. Here’s what to expect during your first meeting with a divorce attorney:
An Overview of the Divorce Process
Divorce attorneys understand that their clients are probably not familiar with the divorce process. For this reason, attorneys usually take the time to provide clients with a basic overview of the process during the initial consultation. Prospective clients should walk away from the consultation with a deeper understanding of what’s to come over the next several months.
Discuss Your Wish List
Most attorneys will ask prospective clients to discuss their wish lists during the initial consultation. What would the perfect divorce settlement look like to you? Describe the ideal child custody and support agreement, and talk to your attorney about how you would like marital assets to be divided. This exercise helps the attorney understand what is important to you in the divorce. After it’s over, a good attorney should also discuss which items on your wish list are attainable and which are unrealistic.
Answer Questions About Your Marriage
You will also need to answer questions about your marriage during this meeting with your divorce attorney. How long were you married? Who initiated the divorce and why? What is your relationship with your spouse like right now? The answers to these questions will help your attorney determine your legal options. For example, if the divorce was a mutual decision and you are on good terms with your spouse, this tells your attorney that collaborative divorce could be an option. If your attorney doesn’t have this information about your relationship, it’s hard for him or her to offer advice regarding the best legal options.
What Happens Next
You should leave your first meeting with your divorce attorney knowing exactly what you should do next. For instance, your attorney may ask you to start gathering financial documents such as bank account statements, credit card statements, and tax returns. It’s important to know what happens next so you are not left in the dark about the status of your divorce.
Have you decided to end your marriage? If so, Williams Law Group, LLC can help. Let our team of experienced attorneys protect your best interests during every step of the divorce proceedings. Call our office at (908) 738-8404, email us at info@awilliamslawgroup.com, or contact us through our confidential online form to schedule a consultation.
