How to prepare for your first meeting with a divorce attorney

Your initial meeting with the divorce attorney can set the tone for the relationship.  Before you meet with an attorney, you should prepare some key documents and pieces of information.  Don’t feel as if you need to drown the attorney in paperwork and documentation, but make sure that you provide your divorce attorney with enough information that he or she can start working on your case right away. Bring the following and the attorney will let you know if they need any additional information after your initial consultation. 

Documents

Attorneys will need you to bring documents proving income.  This can be in the form of bank statements, income tax returns, or other proof of income.  Your income tax returns will also show any stocks or bonds that are held either individually or jointly.  In addition, you should bring with you any documents that show the value of marital assets such as a car, boat, or home.  If you purchased a home together, providing the attorney with a copy of the most recent appraisal of the home.   If you are still paying on the mortgage of the marital home the attorney will want that information as well, along with who has been making the mortgage payments. 

You should also bring with you a list of any debts that you have as an individual or as a couple.  The types of debt could include, but not be limited to: home mortgage, car loans, outstanding unsecured debts such as credit card debt, or medical bills.   This will allow the attorney to see what you owe as a couple.  This is especially true when you have a mortgage or co-signed a loan.  If the mortgage or loan has sold on the secondary market, production of a divorce decree is not sufficient to stop the creditors.  Hiring a divorce attorney in Columbus, Ohio to sift through all the debts and income is your best option, so it is best to be prepared for your first meeting. 

Life insurance documentation is important, as the current policies likely list your soon to be ex-spouse as the beneficiary of the policy.  You should bring all policies that have your name attached, including any policies that are through an employer.  Depending on the length of the marriage, employer health benefits and pension fund documentation can show that one spouse is entitled to a portion of those benefits.   An experienced Columbus, Ohio divorce attorney will be able to review the documents and learn which policies will likely be part of a settlement suit and which stay the property of the working spouse. 

In addition to those listed above, you should bring any business records especially if you own a business together, and documents showing the cost of raising children, if you have children in the marriage.  You should also bring any estate planning documents such as a last will and testament and medical power of attorney.  With these documents, the Ohio Divorce attorney will be able to review the types of benefits you would be due if the marriage were to terminate.  Documents like a will or other estate planning documents should be revised if the marriage is terminated, and may also note some assets that you or your spouse owned before the marriage. 

A list of Questions

Divorce attorneys have helped many people through the divorce and separation process, and they have knowledge to offer on the subject.   Having a list of questions ready shows the attorney you have put thought into this process and want to see it through until the end.  Some questions you can ask your Ohio divorce attorney are:

• What is your experience with divorce?
•  Have you handled a divorce similar to my situation?
• Will anyone else in your office be working on my case?
• How long have you been working in Divorce and Family law?
• How do you collect your fee?  What is the cost?
• Do you charge for phone calls or email correspondence? 
• Have you handled child custody matters?
• Now that we have decided on divorce, what legal documents should I change?
• What should I do about the marital home?  Should I move out?
• Who can I talk to about this divorce? 
• Will you be available should I have a question about the status of my case?  What is the best way to reach you?
• What are my next steps?

An open mind

Remember to come into the meeting with an open mind.  If you have done your research on the types of alternative dispute resolution in divorce cases and have a preference, share it with the attorney.  Ask if this is the best method for your case and listen to the response provided by your divorce attorney.  Should the attorney suggest another way to approach your divorce, be sure to ask why.  An attorney who focuses on divorce and family law will have great insights to offer as to why one method might be preferable in your situation.  The best attorney/client relationships are built on trust, and the best way to allow that trust to grow is with an open mind. 

With preparation, you and your attorney can get the most out of your initial meeting.  It is a good sign if they ask you questions to gather more information and expect you to do the same.  Divorce attorneys prepare thoroughly for each case and prefer to gather as much information as you are willing to share.  Remember not to try to hide any assets from the attorney in an attempt to hide assets from a spouse.  Doing so will cause the divorce court to revisit the case and issue a new ruling should the assets come to light.  It is always better to be upfront with your attorneys so they can advise you to the best of their ability.