Divorce proceedings are often difficult, stressful, and emotional. To make the process easier, it is important to be prepared for the process ahead. One of the best ways to do this is by educating yourself. Additionally, it is important to choose the right attorney and to help your attorney understand your case. One way to do this is by bringing the proper documents to your first meeting with your attorney. This meeting is known as an initial consultation. Read on to learn more about preparing for an initial consultation.
What documents should I bring?
In order to familiarize your attorney with your case, it is important to bring the following documentation:
- The divorce complaint, if already filed
- Recent pay stubs
- Individual and business tax returns, W-2 forms, and 1099s
- Recent bank statements
This information will help your attorney give you the best advice for your unique situation.
What questions will my attorney ask me?
Generally, the first meeting with a divorce attorney can last about one hour. During it, the attorney will ask a variety of questions pertaining to your marriage and the situation at hand. These questions may include the length of the relationship, income and employment history, any assets or debts either party has, if any children are involved, etc. It is beneficial to come prepared to discuss the following:
- A brief history of the marriage
- Background information about yourself, your spouse, and your children
- Your immediate situation
- Your intentions and goals regarding your situation
- What information you are seeking from the consultation
Can I Bring Support?
Some divorces are more amicable than others, but all divorces can be incredibly stressful, as with any major change. Because of this, it is important to have a strong support system that you can lean on during this time. This can involve bringing a loved one to your initial consultation with you. During the meeting, they can listen along, ask important questions, and write down notes for you to look at later on.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our firm is here to walk you through the process every step of the way. Contact our firm today to discuss your case with an experienced attorney.
Contact our Firm
We understand that those getting a divorce most likely have several questions regarding the weeks and months to come. Paris P. Eliades Law Firm, LLC is honored to serve the people of New Jersey, including Sparta, Sussex County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Bergen County with the quality legal services they deserve. If you are getting a divorce or have any other questions regarding divorce-related matters, please do not hesitate to contact our firm for a consultation today.