Going through a divorce can prove to be a very difficult and complex time in a person’s life. It requires many discussions to be had and legal matters to be settled. These are important decisions that need to be made, which is why they should not be taken lightly. It is because of this that spouses facing the uncertainty of divorce should retain the services of an experienced New Jersey divorce attorney for guidance. In doing so, it is important what to expect during your initial consultation.
What Information Should I Bring?
Divorce can be complicated, which is why it is important to be prepared ahead of time when meeting with a divorce attorney. This requires you to bring any necessary documentation. What may be needed can vary depending on the attorney, which is why it can help to ask beforehand. However, it is important that the attorney has a basic understanding of both you and your spouse as well as the issues that are present in your case. If divorce has already been filed, it can be helpful to bring a copy of the complaint. In addition to this, it is important to have knowledge of your financial situation as an individual and a couple. This can be shown through the following documentation:
- Recent pay stubs
- Individual and business tax returns, W-2 forms, and 1099s
- Recent bank statements
What Can I Expect During a Consultation?
First consultations with a divorce attorney usually last about one hour. Throughout the meeting, the attorney will ask various questions regarding your marriage. This can consist of its length, the income of both you and your spouse, the employment history of both, if you have any children, as well as any assets or debts that are held. The information that you may wish to tell your attorney can include:
- A brief history of the marriage
- Background information about yourself, your spouse, and your children
- Your immediate situation
- Your intentions and goals regarding your situation
- What information you are seeking from the consultation
It is important to know that the advice you receive can vary depending on the nature of your divorce.
Can I Bring Support?
Going through divorce proceedings is often an emotional time for anyone involved. It is because of this that it can be beneficial to have a support system. This can include bringing a person to lean on to your initial consultation with a divorce attorney. During this time, they can listen, ask questions, and take notes for you. This can all be helpful as the proceedings continue.
Contact our Firm
Ross and Calandrillo, LLC is a full-service divorce, family, and real estate law firm located in Mountainside, New Jersey. For strong legal representation in all of your divorce or family law matters, contact Ross and Calandrillo, LLC to schedule a consultation.
