Preparing for the First Meeting with Your Attorney
If you have reached the point where you are considering contacting a family law attorney, you are probably undergoing an emotional and stressful time in your life.  Though it will be difficult, you will need to sort out your emotions from the facts in order to proceed because even in family law matters, the court uses a rational, business-like approach. The advice and involvement of an experienced family law attorney can help. My job is to use your knowledge of the facts to counsel you on the relevant issues of your case and to help you approach your situation with reason rather than emotion. Many people are surprised by what they learn during an initial consultation because they don’t anticipate all the factors that may affect the likelihood of achieving a successful outcome.  An experienced attorney is trained to apply the law to your particular situation and to work with you to get the best results possible.

After you decide to make an appointment for your initial consultation, create a list or a timetable of the events that caused you to turn to a lawyer for your family law case. During the discussion, you may have to address several upsetting issues. You do not have to worry about shocking me – I probably have already heard a similar story. It is important for you to be forthcoming and honest. My effectiveness depends on my complete knowledge of the facts. Give me a head start on the discovery process, and save yourself some time and money by coming prepared for your initial consultation. Gather as much factual information as possible. Remember, your communications with me are absolutely confidential, privileged and protected by the attorney/client relationship.

I know this is a lengthy list but please do your best to gather as much of the following information as you can:

•     Date of marriage and timeline of events in marriage.
•     Information about any prior marriage of either spouse, including a certified copy of the divorce decree.
•     A copy of any domestic contracts (e.g., a prenuptial agreement).
•     Information about any previous legal proceedings between the spouses or involving any of the children.
•     Dates and particulars about any previous separations, attempts at reconciliation, or marriage counseling.
•     The name of your employer and your spouse’s employer, including dates of employment.
•     Social security and driver’s license numbers.
•     Copies of your (single or joint) income tax returns for the last three years.
•     Copies of your last three pay stubs (if you work outside the home).
•     Note your spouse’s income and other household income.
•     Name of bank, saving and checking accounts numbers, amounts and whose names are on the accounts.
•     Stocks, bonds and other investment information.
•     The value of a pension, whose name it is in and when they began to contribute to the pension.
•     Note other valuable items such as jewelry, artwork and other collections.
•     Purchase date, purchase price, remaining balances and current value of real estate holdings.
•     List all debts including amount owed, to whom, account numbers, when they were incurred, when due and whose name they are in.
•     Education and employment background of both parties.
•     Names and ages of children.
•     Note any “skeletons” that may be at issue, such as drug/alcohol abuse, if either party every committed a crime, domestic abuse, or sexual misconduct.
Remember, the information you provide your attorney is protected by the attorney/client privilege. It is imperative that you be fully honest with your attorney.   The other important thing to keep in mind is to ask questions. Make a list so you don’t forget to ask the things that really matter to you.  I will use all the facts to help you understand everything that is going on so you can make the best decisions possible.