How to Prepare for a Divorce or Child Custody Consultation
You are done with your marriage. You have thought long and hard and have decided to file for divorce. So you have taken the first step and called a lawyer. You have scheduled a consultation with them. You may be nervous about the next steps, and for good reason. You have started the divorce process. Plus, you need to be prepared for the consultation, especially if there are children involved. Not all law firms are the same. You will want to know how the lawyer handles divorces and what the process will be like. Here are some tips to prepare for a Divorce or Child Custody so you can make the process easier.
Gather Financial Information
Marriage is about dividing up assets and liabilities, so your lawyer will want to see documents related to your finances. Come ready with bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, business records, retirement account statements, credit card statements, mortgage statements, and anything else showing what you owe and what you own. It is best to gather all this information on your own; if your lawyer has to, it will cost you.
Gather Background Data
Your lawyer will want to know how long you have been married and if you have any children (if so, what are their ages?). The lawyer may also need birth dates and Social Security numbers, so make sure you have adequate personal information about everyone in the family. This will help the lawyer better understand your situation.
Come With a List of Questions
You will likely have some questions about the divorce process, so write down your questions as they come to you so you do not forget. What are you most concerned about? Do you think you can divorce amicably? If not, what do you want child custody and asset division to look like?
Get Your Finances in Order
Lawyers are not cheap, so how do you plan to pay for their services? Do you have a job or someone who will be paying your legal fees? You should ask about how your lawyer charges, such as hourly fees and retainer fees, and what payment plans are available. Make sure all charges and fees are outlined so there are no surprises later.
Provide Proof of Stability
Judges make custody decisions based on the best interests of the child. Therefore, you need proof that you can provide the child with a stable home environment. This may include bank statements, income verification (to show that you are making money), background check (to show you have no criminal record), and statements from friends and family.
Contact Us Today
Divorce is a scary event, but with the right preparation, you can get through it with ease (or at least less stress). The right lawyer can help you prepare, avoid litigation, and save money.
You can trust Velez Law, PLLC, to handle all your family law matters. We’ll address your concerns and help you make the right decisions. Fill out the online form or click below link to schedule a consultation.