Thinking About Divorce? Things You Should Prepare for When You Finally Meet Your Attorney
Experts say that divorce rates tend to spike after the holidays. The statistics should not come as a significant surprise, seeing as the holidays can cause tremendous stress and tension in families despite supposedly being the happiest time of the year. The overwhelming pressure of delivering a picture-perfect holiday can shatter an already unstable relationship. Although couples may not pursue divorce during the holidays, once the season is over, all bets are off.
At The Mandel Law Firm, we know you may not be ready to hire a divorce attorney during the holidays. However, if you are considering filing for divorce after the holiday season concludes, you must be prepared when you finally meet your attorney. If you are considering divorce, here’s what you need to know.
Meeting Your Divorce Attorney
Meeting your divorce attorney for the first time can be a daunting experience. What do you need to bring with you to your meeting? How should you prepare for what’s ahead? At The Mandel Law Firm, we want to help you understand what you need when you finally meet your New York divorce attorney after the holidays.
Prepare a Written Summary
Divorce can be emotionally taxing. It may help you stay focused if you prepare a written summary for your attorney beforehand. This summary should include all the essential information your attorney needs about your case, including your and your spouse’s first and last names, addresses, birthdates, and Social Security numbers. Be sure to include your children’s information as well. You can also include a few objective points you wish to discuss with your attorney about the marriage breakdown and why you think you want a divorce.
Financial Documents
Your attorney will need a complete picture of your financial situation to help prepare your case. Bring as many crucial financial documents as you can gather to your first meeting. These documents should include:
- Bank statements
- Credit card statements
- W-2 tax forms
- 1099s
- Tax returns
- 401(k) and retirement account statements
- Business agreements
- Brokerage accounts
- Investment account statements
- Paystubs
Financial paperwork also includes a list of your current debts, not just sources of income. Include mortgage paperwork, car loan documentation, and statements for other sources of debt in your financial documents folder.
Copies of Marital Agreements
Do you have custody of children from a previous relationship? Did you and your partner sign a prenuptial agreement? Bring copies of any marital arrangements to your initial meeting with a divorce attorney. This information gives your attorney a complete picture of the legally binding arrangements that may impact the divorce process.
Identify Your Goals
Bring a list of goals you would like to prioritize when moving forward with a divorce. Your goals can help your attorney better understand what they are fighting for and help them develop a strategy. Are there particular assets you want to keep? Are you interested in maintaining a specific child custody schedule? Let your attorney know what matters to you and what you want the result of your divorce to look like.
A List of Questions to Ask the Divorce Attorney
Sometimes, meeting with an attorney for the first time can feel like an overwhelming experience. Prepare a list of questions you want to ask your New York divorce attorney before you forget them. You may ask about their fee structure, how often they keep in touch, or initial impressions of your case’s strength. Keep a running list of questions you want to address with your attorney and bring them to your initial consultation.
Contact an Experienced New York Divorce Attorney
Once the dust settles from the busy holiday season, you may realize it is time to move your life in a different direction. When you are ready to discuss divorce, contact an experienced attorney with The Mandel Law Firm for help. We are ready to work with you to achieve the best outcome possible for your unique situation. Arrange a legal consultation with our New York office. Call (646) 770-3868 today.
