Meeting with an attorney to discuss divorce for the first time can be an anxiety-inducing experience. People may feel a sense of guilt. Those responding to service by a spouse may be very anxious about their rights and the future.
Some people show up for their consultations completely unprepared. While lawyers can help those who show up for consultations without any preparation, those who prepare in advance can optimize the efficiency of the meeting and may be able to more effectively answer their most pressing questions.
What types of preparations can be beneficial before sitting down with a divorce attorney?
Reviewing financial records
Going over household finances is a crucial aspect of any divorce. People have to identify and value their marital property. They need to determine what financial responsibilities they may share with their spouses. From there, they can start developing goals for the divorce and strategies to achieve those goals. Collecting financial records is a good starting point for those who want to evaluate property division matters.
Creating a list of questions
Everybody has different priorities and concerns when they prepare for divorce. It is easy to forget the various issues that people hope to clarify with an attorney when conversation starts flowing. By writing down a list and bringing it to the consultation, people can ensure that they get the basic information they need.
Identify complicating factors
There are certain situations that can make divorce matters more difficult to resolve. The military service of one spouse, a history of domestic violence, issues related to substance abuse, major medical issues and infidelity are among the complicating factors that can influence divorce strategies and outcomes. Typically, spouses need to disclose details about potential complications to their lawyers as soon as possible. Doing so helps them ensure that the attorney they hire has the experience they need. The strategy that they develop could be drastically different in cases with certain complicating factors.
People may also want to briefly educate themselves about the basics of divorce before meeting with an attorney. Learning about equitable property distribution and the best interests standards for custody can help people understand what to expect from the divorce and may make it easier for them to ask appropriate questions during an initial consultation with their lawyer.
Properly preparing for a divorce typically involves working with a professional. The sooner people get legal support and the more effectively they use that legal assistance, the better their chances of obtaining the terms that matter most to them during divorce.
