When you meet with a divorce lawyer for the first time, what should you expect? Questions and concerns may flood your mind in anticipation of your first meeting with a divorce lawyer. Who will cover the costs? What is an uncontested divorce? When will we get to divide assets? Have I remembered everything? What if we can’t agree on the children?
Although it may be easy to think of a million questions, you should strive to bring your questions and concerns about divorce to the forefront. The more prepared you are for your consultation, the more productive your meeting will be. With that in mind, here are some things to consider when preparing for your first meeting with a divorce lawyer.
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Prepare a List of All Your Financial Information
The information should include employment and income, the value of all your assets and savings, and how they are invested. You will also need to let your lawyer know if you have any debts and the amount of each debt. If you have a retirement plan at work, you should also give your lawyer information about that. Also, it is helpful to bring records of all child support, alimony, insurance policies, mortgage payments, car payments, etc. If you own rental property, make sure you know what you owe on each property.
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Gather Important Documents
Before you meet with your divorce lawyer, gather all the documents that may be needed for your case. This includes everything from the basic personal information to the birth certificates and marriage license of both you and your spouse. You will also want to gather any paperwork that provides insight into your financial status and the property owned by each spouse. Also, collect health insurance paperwork, mortgage information, driver’s license, automobile titles, and other documents that support your case.
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Make a List of Questions
While you should be brief and specific in your communications, write a list of questions beforehand to avoid forgetting anything. If you take notes during the meeting, then you will be better prepared for the next steps.
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Be Polite
Being polite is crucial for having a positive experience with your divorce lawyer. This means being respectful of your attorney’s time and answering all questions truthfully. Not only is being on time vital because it shows respect for the attorney, but your first meeting will be more productive.
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Be Honest
To be totally honest is what matters most. You can’t expect them to look out for your best interests if you don’t give them the complete and accurate truth. If you lie to your attorney, they cannot look out for your best interests in court because they do not know what is going on. Even if you feel embarrassed, don’t keep it a secret. You’ll make your lawyer’s job easier, and you’ll be more likely to get the results you want.
Contact Our Office Today!
Call the GPS Law Group today at 704-549-1950! Our divorce lawyers help you with your case if you reside in Charlotte, Gastonia, Concord, Huntersville and surrounding communities in Mecklenburg County, Rowan County, Cabarrus County, Iredell County, Gaston County in North Carolina.