What to Bring to Your First Consultation With a Divorce Lawyer

The first consultation goes further when you come prepared. None of the items below are required, and you should come even if you have nothing but questions. But if you can gather some of these, the attorney can give you more specific answers.

Documents

• Any court papers you have been served with or have filed, including summonses, petitions, orders, and prior agreements
• Your marriage certificate
• Any prenuptial, postnuptial, or separation agreement
• The last two or three years of tax returns, and recent pay stubs for both spouses if you have them
• A rough list of assets and debts: the house and mortgage, bank and retirement accounts, vehicles, credit cards, loans
• For custody matters, the children's school information and any existing schedule
• For orders of protection, police reports, messages, photographs, and medical records

Questions to think about

• What outcome matters most to you? The house, the children's schedule, financial security, a fast resolution?
• What does your spouse want, as best you understand it?
• Are there safety concerns?
• What is your realistic budget for legal fees?

What happens during the consultation

The attorney will listen to your situation, ask questions, identify the legal issues, explain the likely process and timeline, run a preliminary support or maintenance calculation if the numbers are available, discuss fee options, and tell you what to do next. You will leave with a plan whether or not you hire the firm. The consultation is confidential and free.

What not to do before you meet with a lawyer

• Do not move out of the marital home without advice, especially if custody is at issue
• Do not move money, close accounts, or change beneficiaries
• Do not post about your case or your spouse on social media
• Do not sign anything your spouse or their lawyer gives you
• Do not stop paying household bills you have been paying