If you have exhausted all measures to salvage your marriage, you may conclude there is no hope for reconciliation. When this is the case, one of the first steps to take to initiate the divorce process is to schedule a consultation with a divorce lawyer. During your initial consultation, your lawyer will ask you questions to gain insight into your case. You will also have the opportunity to ask your lawyer any pressing questions regarding the impending divorce process. This can include your divorce options, child custody, child support, spousal support, the division of assets, and any other relevant questions about your divorce. It is helpful to think of your initial consultation as an information-gathering session. Although you can attend your initial consultation without paperwork. You should bring certain documents as they can help your divorce lawyer learn pertinent information about your case. If you are seeking a divorce, contact our trusted Bristol County Divorce Options Lawyers who can help you navigate this legal process. Continue reading to learn what documents you should bring to your initial consultation.
What documents should I bring to an initial consultation with a divorce lawyer?
During your initial consultation, your divorce lawyer will ask you various questions and provide you with some insight as to what you can anticipate with the impending divorce process. Therefore, it is beneficial to bring the following documents to this information-gathering session:
- A copy of your marriage license. Your marriage license is the legal document that establishes you were legally married. You should provide your lawyer with a copy of your original marriage license and certificate. This will confirm that the court can grant you a divorce. Moreover, it will help corroborate the length of your marriage. This is critical in cases where the marriage has lasted more than 10 years as some spouses may be eligible to claim their former spouse’s Social Security benefits.
- Financial statements and employment records. It is beneficial to bring any tax returns, pay stubs, employment records, or other financial statements that can assist your lawyer with proof of income. In most divorces, the court will order one spouse to provide financial support to the other for a child or spousal support. Providing your lawyer with these records will help them determine what you are entitled to receive or obligated to pay.
- Documents relating to marital or separate property. The division of assets is typically a contentious issue as each party’s hard-earned assets are at stake. That being said, it is critical to bring any documents that prove an asset is your personal property. This is significant because separate property acquired outside of the marriage is not subject to equitable distribution. Your lawyer needs to know what assets are separate to ensure they are not split between your former spouse. Additionally, they need to know what assets were acquired during the marriage to ensure you receive a fair portion of your marital assets.
Ultimately, the more documentation you bring the better. It is critical to note that you should have a list of questions handy to ensure you do not forget what you want to ask your divorce lawyer.
If you are seeking a divorce and need quality legal representation, contact a determined lawyer from the Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley, P.C. to schedule a consultation today. Our firm is prepared to work tirelessly to help you dissolve your marriage and reach a favorable divorce agreement.
