If you are meeting with a divorce lawyer for the first time, it pays to be prepared. Part of that means ensuring that you have all of the right paperwork and information with you at this initial consultation. Here are some of the things you should know about this first meeting with a Morton divorce lawyer and what you might want to bring with you.
What Should I Bring With Me to the Divorce Lawyer?
You want to give your divorce lawyer a complete picture of your finances, the assets that could be split, and what kind of agreement you are going for. When you visit our office for the first time, we suggest that you bring:
Any marriage documents: You need to have evidence that you were married if you are going to get divorced. A marriage certificate can tell your lawyer when you and your spouse were legally married, and that allows them to petition the court for a divorce.
Documents that concern marital and personal properties: Splitting up property is an important part of the divorce process, so it is necessary for your lawyer to know exactly what kinds of assets you have and how everything can be split equitably. If you had a property coming into the marriage and you want to protect it when the marriage ends, we can assist you with that too.
Evidence of income: It is also important for your divorce lawyer to know how much income you pull in each year. Pay stubs and tax returns are great, as are any documents from businesses or companies that you own or have a stake in.
Records of debts, like a mortgage: Your income is just part of the picture, so it is probably a good idea to also show your divorce lawyer any evidence of debts you and your spouse have. This can include your home mortgage, outstanding car loans, and any other debts affecting your net worth as a couple.
What If I Already Started Divorce Proceedings?
That is fine. It is completely possible to file for divorce on your own, without the assistance of a lawyer. If you received your response and now you and your spouse want to begin the divorce process, it is completely understandable that you would seek out the assistance of a lawyer
So if you have filed for divorce already, just have one more thing with you when you visit our law firm for that initial consultation. Bring any documents, filings, or sources of information that could be worthwhile in a divorce case.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
When you are ready to advance the divorce process, contact Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C. We can schedule an initial consultation and tell you more about your options and how we can assist you with your divorce.
