Walking into a divorce attorney’s office for the first time can feel overwhelming. You’re likely dealing with a range of emotions: sadness, anger, anxiety, or even relief and the last thing you need is uncertainty about what’s going to happen during that first meeting. Understanding what to expect can help ease your nerves and ensure you make the most of your consultation.
The Purpose of the First Meeting
Your initial consultation serves two main purposes. First, it gives your attorney the opportunity to understand your situation and determine how they can help. Second, it allows you to evaluate whether this attorney is the right fit for you. This is a two-way conversation, not an interrogation. A good divorce attorney will create a comfortable environment where you feel heard and supported.
What Your Attorney Will Ask
When you meet with a lawyer, he or she will have some questions for you to obtain a complete picture of your marriage and circumstances. Questions about the length of your marriage, whether or not you have children, your job & income, your spouse’s job & income and how you have been managing your money are to be expected. They are going to inquire about your assets, such as your home, cars, and retirement accounts, as well as any debts you’ve acquired together.
Your lawyer will also be interested in what you want out of the divorce. Do you want to really go to war, or do you want to have an easy divorce? What are your custody, property and support priorities? None of these is a wrong answer; honesty will allow your attorney to find the best course of action for your individual circumstances.
What to Bring with You
So come prepared with whatever paperwork you can rally. Bring along your most recent tax return, pay stubs, bank statements, mortgage documents, credit card statements and information about retirement accounts or investments. If you have a prenup, bring that, too. Don’t stress if you don’t have it all, your lawyer can tell you how to get hold of it later.” A rough list of assets and debts scrawled on a notepad is helpful, too. So far.
Details Everywhere you have children, bring information about their schools, child care providers, and any custody agreements or parenting plans you currently have.
Preparing Emotionally
Emotions are to be expected during this meeting. You might tear up, get angry, or have trouble finding words. A humane lawyer knows this and will allow you to say what you need to say. Think about jotting down bullet points/questions in advance, so you don’t lose track of important information in the moment.
Keep in mind, this consultation is confidential. You may speak openly and ask any questions you may have. If you don’t feel like filing right away, that’s fine, too. A lot of people take the initial meeting just to get an idea of their options.
After the Meeting
Your attorney should explain their fee structure, the likely timeline for your case, and the next steps if you decide to move forward. Take time to reflect on whether you felt comfortable and confident in their abilities. Trust your instincts, this person will be your advocate during a challenging time, so finding the right fit matters.
Scheduling that first consultation takes courage, but it’s an important step toward your future. With the right preparation and expectations, you’ll walk in feeling more confident and walk out with clarity about the path ahead.
