You are considering divorce and have your initial consultation with a family law attorney scheduled. That was a big step. With the date on your calendar, you now find yourself wondering how do I prepare for the initial consultation with a family law attorney?

Gather Your Documents and Facts

The background facts and information you share help your attorney identify potential issues and suggest your different options for moving forward. Save time and get your case off on the right foot by having information relevant to your case ready. Consider drafting a document for your initial consultation including the following information about you, your spouse, and any minor children or dependents:

• Names
• Addresses (for the last year)
• Birthday
• Current income
• Income history
• Tuition costs
• Daycare costs
• Health insurance costs
• Health care costs
• Activity costs
• Current custody schedule
• Preferred custody schedule
• Assets (property, vehicles, bank accounts, pets, investments, etc.)
• When the assets were acquired
• Debts (mortgages, car loans, student loans, credit card, gambling debts, etc)
• When debts were incurred

Any records you can bring supporting the above listed information will be helpful. Additional records to gather and bring include:

• Emails
• Texts
• Bank records
• Financial documents
• Court records

Do not worry if you are missing any of the above information or supporting documents. That can be obtained later. Just noting there is a bank account with Red Savings, for example, is important information for your attorney to know as you proceed.

Make a List of Your Goals

What do you hope to achieve? What is your best case scenario outcome? What is your worst case scenario outcome? What could you live with even if you won't necessarily be happy about it? This list will help your attorney identify the best course of action for you, as well as alternative options.

Knowing your wish list and fears for the outcome gives your attorney the opportunity to set reasonable expectations. It also allows you the opportunity to discuss the risks and rewards of pursuing different legal paths forward. Time or cost required varies based on legal strategy. Your goals may change knowing this. Having that information up front can save time and frustration down the road. This also helps to make sure you are selecting the best attorney for you.

Your goals might include things like keeping the marital home, financial support, division of debt, physical and/or legal support of children. Do you want to go to trial or are you willing to consider negotiating an agreement? While your goals are specific to you, you may get ideas for your goal list from friends and family who have experienced family law issues themselves.

Mentally Prepare

Be prepared for the attorney to tell you the strengths and weaknesses of your case. The information or advice may not be the advice you want to hear, but your lawyer’s role is to advise you. You do have the option of getting a second opinion.

This is likely a very emotional and vulnerable time for you. Your attorney knows this. Remember your lawyer is there to help with your legal needs, but divorce and family law issues are not limited to their legal impact. These issues also take a mental toll. Having someone to talk to, who is able to bill your health insurance, something you can not do for time spent talking to a lawyer, can make family law issues easier to navigate and less costly. Consider reaching out to a mental health professional or finding a support group to help you navigate the grief, anger, loss, and everything else that comes along with a divorce.

On the Day of Your Initial Consult

The day of your consultation has arrived and you are in the office with the attorney. Expect to spend about an hour speaking with the attorney. Remember a consultation is for getting to know the attorney and if you are the right fit for each other. This is your opportunity to get more information, so do not be afraid to ask questions. If you are afraid you may forget to ask something, it is okay to take notes during the consultation.

You can expect to discuss how the law works in your area. How is the case filed, how is the other side made aware of the case, why you include certain things in a divorce filing, and the court process for a contested divorce versus an uncontested divorce. It may also be possible to estimate the level of support you will receive or have to pay. Be prepared for your attorney to ask you procedural questions that do not feel relevant to your issue. These questions help your attorney decide how to proceed with your case and make sure you are doing so in the legally correct way.

Anticipate discussing the fee schedule and the sharing of documents from the other side. This is also where you should clarify with your attorney how long you should expect to wait for responses and any times you will be out of reach. Finally, remember your success depends on you trusting your attorney. Do not keep information back because you think the information is not relevant, that the information is embarrassing, or paints you in a bad light. Your attorney is there to advocate for you. They need all of the information to do that well. You help yourself when you are open, honest, and forthcoming with your lawyer.

How Muter Law Office Can Help

If you and your spouse are considering divorce and are working towards an amicable separation, divorce by affidavit could be the easiest path forward. Our family law attorney team at Muter Law Office can help you navigate the divorce process with confidence and clarity with our family attorney and mediator on staff. We will protect your rights, help keep the focus on achieving your long-term goals, and ensure your legal issues are handled fairly.

Contact the Family Law Attorneys at Muter Law Office Today

Contact the Muter Law Office today to schedule a confidential appointment to discuss your situation and how we can assist you.