Whether you’re contemplating a divorce or ready to proceed, the first meeting with a lawyer is an important first step. You want to make the most of your time because – let’s be honest – the sooner you get the ball rolling, the sooner you can move on.
As a Buck County family lawyer who has been practicing for over three decades, I can say from experience that meetings are much more productive when you come prepared. Not only can you clarify your exact needs, but I can give practical legal advice specially tailored to your circumstances. So if you’re ready to go down this road, here’s how to prepare for a divorce lawyer meeting.
1. Consider Your Goals
Before stepping into a law office, take a moment to assess your situation and figure out what you want from the divorce. That’s not to say you need to develop a detailed plan – just a clear idea of your priorities. The clearer you are about your goals, the easier it becomes to guide the conversation in a productive direction.
For example, if you do not have a prenuptial agreement in place, you need to think about dividing assets such as your family home, accounts, and even debt. Similarly, if children are involved, think about what custody arrangement you feel would work best for the kids. Remember that while the court always puts the child’s best interests first, an experienced family lawyer such as I can help articulate your wishes to the court.
2. Prepare Your Personal Story (But Keep It Relevant)
A divorce can be a deeply emotional ordeal, and it is natural to want to share your feelings, unloading all your frustrations and fears. However, lawyers are not therapists. We are not qualified to guide you through the emotional challenges.
Our role is to ensure your legal rights are safeguarded, and we can do that best when you give us the facts related to your case, such as:
- Marital history and reasons for the marriage breakdown
- Specific events that led to the decision to divorce
- Information related to you and your spouse’s financial situation and assets
- Children and custody preferences
- Concerns about the spouse, such as their actions and behaviors
That said, there are certain details you should never leave out. If there’s been domestic abuse, substance issues, or other serious factors, your divorce lawyer needs to know. These issues can have significant legal implications, especially regarding child custody.
3. Make a List of Questions
Your first meeting with a lawyer should not be one-sided. This meeting is also your chance to gather valuable information and assess whether this lawyer is the right fit for you. To ensure you get the information you need, I recommend making a list of questions ahead of time, such as:
- What is the divorce process in this state?
- What is your approach to handling divorce cases?
- How long will my case take?
- What are the costs involved?
- How many divorce cases do you handle at a time?
- What is your experience with similar cases?
- How will you keep me updated on the progress of my case?
- What is your availability for questions or emergencies?
4. Gather Important Documents
Finally, bring the right paperwork so the divorce lawyer has some tangible evidence to understand your case. These documents should include:
- Financial records: This includes bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, and any debts such as credit card statements, mortgages, and loans. If you and your spouse have joint accounts or investments, bring those details as well.
- Property information: Deeds, titles, or lease agreements for any property you and your spouse own together. If you’re renting, bring a copy of the rental agreement. If you’ve owned homes, cars, or businesses together, that’s all relevant info, too.
- Prenuptial agreements: If there’s a prenup in place, bring it with you. It could dramatically shape how things move forward.
- Child-related documents: If kids are in the picture, any invoices related to their care (e.g., medical bills, school fees, etc) will help frame the discussion.
Final Thoughts: Stay Focused and Stay Calm
Meeting with a divorce lawyer for the first time doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a bit of prep work, you can go in confident, starting out on the right foot. By being organized and having a clear idea of what you want from the divorce, you can have a productive discussion without wasting any time.
And most importantly – take a deep breath. Divorces – no matter if they are uncontested or not – do take time. But with a good family lawyer by your side, you’ll find the process much less stressful.
Ready for your first meeting with a lawyer? Don’t hesitate to reach out! As an affordable divorce lawyer in Buck County, I can help you navigate your divorce journey with confidence and clarity. Plus, with my flat fees and no retainer policy, you get quality legal representation without the financial strain.
Call (215) 750-9202 today or visit my website to learn more.
