Divorce is always a stressful process, but a knowledgeable attorney can make it go more smoothly. If you prepare for your meeting with your San Bernardino divorce attorney, you can hit the ground running in terms of forming a plan.
Here are some of the ways you can prepare for your first meeting and make good progress from the start.
1. Financial Records
Your financial records are essential for making progress in the divorce process. These documents provide proof for any claims you or your spouse might make during the dissolution of your marriage.
There are several financial decisions that need to be made during your divorce, such as alimony and child support, and a well-organized folder of documents will help you and your attorney get started with your case.
These records include pay stubs for both you and your spouse, which can give an idea of your financial situation. Tax returns are another common request because they provide detailed financial information.
This also includes information about debts, such as loans, credit card bills, and more.
2. Legal Information
It’s also a good idea to bring along relevant legal documents and information. That includes your marriage certificate, but also personal information like your name, address, and contact information.
You’ll also want to bring any legal agreements related to your marriage, such as prenuptial or postnuptial agreements. These documents will influence how your divorce goes and the arguments you make in court.
3. List of Questions
When you’re just getting started with your divorce, the process likely feels intimidating and confusing. During a meeting with your attorney, you can get specific, personal answers to calm your nerves and give you an accurate picture of what to expect.
Even if it’s too early to seek answers to questions about child custody or property division, you can learn more about how those decisions are made and prepare mentally and emotionally.
4. Identify Your Main Concerns
When you start your divorce case, you’ll need to focus on specific issues related to your marriage. Childless couples don’t need to worry about child support or custody.
Therefore, alimony and property division are two of the most common concerns individuals have during a divorce. Discussing these issues with your lawyer can help both of you figure out a plan of action. You can learn more about what to expect from your divorce proceedings.
5. Set Goals
During a divorce, it’s important to have specific goals and priorities. For some people, this may be keeping a house, getting physical custody, or getting spousal support.
The most pressing concerns will vary depending on your marriage and your own personal needs. It’s important to share your goals with your lawyer so that they can focus on those issues. Your lawyer can then help you determine how likely you are to get the results you want, and how you can increase your chances of reaching those goals.
Consult a Skilled Family Lawyer
Your first consultation will help you set expectations and determine if your attorney is a good fit for your case. Our law office provides personalized legal representation for family law cases of all kinds.
During your initial consultation, we will assess your case and suggest a possible plan of action. Contact us at 951-787-8700 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation today!