Tips for Preparing for Your Divorce Attorney Consultation

Categories: Divorce & Family Law

Metuchen, NJ Divorce Attorney - Romanowski Law Offices

The divorce process can be overwhelming and confusing for couples. It is not unnatural to have numerous questions and even be unsure of where to start. During your initial consultation with a divorce attorney, you can address most of your concerns and even learn about what you can expect from the divorce process. However, before meeting with your attorney, it is important that you adequately prepare for the consultation, so that you can ensure you get the most out of that appointment.

Issues to Consider

Before meeting with the attorney, you will want to address specific issues regarding your marriage and family. It is important that you write these issues – and your thoughts on them – down on paper so that you can better communicate them to your attorney. A few common issues that will arise in a divorce include:

  • Child Custody – If children are involved, you will need to decide which parent the child(ren) will live with or if you will split custody on a 50/50 basis.
  • Visitation – Start thinking about how you will arrange visitation with the non-custodial parent, including how you plan to split holidays, birthdays, etc.
  • Alimony – Will spousal support be an issue in your divorce? If so, you will need to consider what this will mean for you if you are paying spousal support or if you are receiving it.
  • Division of Assets – Start making a list of your marital assets and debts. Then, discuss it with your spouse to see if there is potential for coming to a reasonable division settlement.
  • Home – If there is a marital home, you may need to decide how you will handle it. For example, will one spouse buy out the other, or will you decide sell it and split the profit?

Gather Documents

For your consultation you will need to bring as much information and documentation as possible. The more you provide during the consultation, the more thorough the advice will be. Also, by collecting applicable financial documents, you can get the most out of your time with the attorney. Some documents you should bring with you include:

  • Tax returns for the past two to three years
  • Pay stubs for both you and your spouse
  • Bank statements for the past year (including joint and individual accounts)
  • Social Security statement for you and your spouse
  • Bank statements for other accounts including brokerage accounts, annuities, bonds, stocks, etc.
  • Information regarding any retirement savings
  • Home and/or investment property information
  • Business property information
  • A list of debts and liabilities
  • A list of all assets
  • Inheritances received during the marriage – including expected inheritances
  • List of property belonging to you and your spouse prior to the marriage
  • Any legal agreements, such as a signed prenuptial agreement
  • Insurance documents, including health insurance policies, life insurance, homeowner’s insurance, etc.

Schedule a Consultation With Romanowski Law Offices

Romanowski Law Offices offers expert consultations to discuss your pending divorce case. Contact us online or call 732-603-8585 to schedule your appointment. During your initial consultation we will do our best to answer all of your questions and concerns and help establish a plan for your divorce case.