The decision to get a divorce is not an easy one. In the middle of your emotional upheaval, you must choose a divorce attorney who can help you through the process. You’ll want to be prepared for your first consultation to make the most of your time.
It’s natural to feel stressed, sad, and unsure at the first appointment. Sometimes, you might even feel a little bit of relief. But one way or the other, the appointment is bound to be emotionally draining. One way of mitigating stress is to understand what you can expect during the first consultation.
Your attorney will have questions for you, which can vary from case to case. You will also likely have questions for your attorney. There are documents that are helpful for you to bring with you during the first meeting.
These are some of the questions the Cedar Rapids divorce attorneys of Arenson Law Group, PC typically ask and some of the paperwork our clients typically bring with them. If you have immediate questions that need to be answered, don’t hesitate to reach out to Arenson Law Group, PC today. We’re here to help.
It’s Time to Ask Questions
Your first meeting with your attorney is the time to get to know them and determine whether you feel comfortable with their representation. One of the key questions to ask is how you’ll communicate throughout the case. Being able to communicate regularly is essential to a successful outcome. Communication preferences can include phone calls, videoconferencing, emails, or in-person meetings.
It’s also important to understand the fee structure. This helps you estimate how much the divorce may cost. No attorney can make a guarantee about how long the case will last as there are several factors to take into consideration. These include alimony, child custody and support, and your ex-spouse’s willingness to negotiate quickly. Your attorney will also have a list of questions for you.
There are countless reasons why couples split up. Your attorney is going to want to know the reason you’re looking for divorce because it can help during negotiations with your soon-to-be ex-spouse. They will also want to know your current living arrangements. In some cases, a divorcing couple will choose to share the house until the divorce has been finalized.
The attorney needs to know if minor children or other family members are living with you as this will impact divorce proceedings. Are these children from your current marriage or from a previous marriage? Child custody is often the most critical and contentious issue in a divorce proceeding.
Your attorney will ask what your “must-haves” are, or the most important things that you must get out of the divorce. Often, this includes financial assets, such as real estate, savings, and retirement funds. Finally, your attorney will want to know if there were abuse or addiction challenges in the marriage. Should you have further questions, contact us today!
What Should You Bring?
There are several documents you’ll want to bring with you, so your first consultation is as productive as possible. If the thought of gathering these documents causes you stress, don’t worry. You’ll still benefit from consulting with an experienced divorce lawyer, even if you can’t find all the documents.
Marriage documents: To proceed with a divorce, your attorney will need to know you were legally married, when, and where. Your marriage certificate can help establish this information.
Documents for any marital assets: Marriage is a contractual agreement, and a divorce proceeding breaks that contract. Much of the process will deal with your finances, which includes splitting property and finances. If you had a prenuptial agreement, bring that with you as well. Be sure to identify what property you acquired before the marriage that is solely yours and bring documented proof of that ownership if you have it.
Salary information: One spouse may be ordered to pay spousal support or child support, depending on income levels and child custody. You can provide proof of income using tax returns, employment records, or pay stubs.
Documentation of debt: Just as important as proving your assets, your lawyer will also need to know how much debt you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse are in. This provides a complete financial picture and helps determine how the debt and assets will be split, as well as any alimony and child support that must be paid.
Contact Arenson Law Group, PC Today for Help With Your Divorce
If you are going to file for divorce, or your spouse has filed for divorce, you need the support of an experienced divorce attorney. The outcome of your divorce will have consequences for many years to come. It’s crucial that your interests and rights are protected during this process.
The skilled and compassionate divorce attorneys of Arenson Law Group, PC understand the emotional upheaval that accompanies divorce proceedings. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and can help with many of the issues that arise during a divorce, such as grandparent visitation, premarital agreements, restraining orders, and property division.
Call our office today at (319) 363-8199, or reach out to us online to schedule your initial consultation. You’ll meet your legal team, who will start developing a strategy to help ensure your needs are met.