How to Prepare for Your Divorce Consultation

Before you meet with a Florida divorce attorney, take a few moments to gather the necessary documents and prepare yourself for the appointment. By showing up prepared, you can ensure you get the most out of that initial consultation.

It is the job of a divorce attorney to use their knowledge of the facts to offer advice and counsel you on the issues in your divorce case. They approach your case rationally, business-like and without emotion. Most clients are surprised at how much they learn during their initial consultation – because they do not anticipate the same factors that an attorney does.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Consultation

Attorney use the initial consultation to get to know them and give them have a chance to assess your case. At the end of the consultation, the attorney will let you know what they expect from the case, how much your fees are likely to be, etc. By providing your attorney with all of the necessary information and documentation, their assessment can be much more accurate.

• Create a List of Events – Florida family courts do not care why you are seeking a divorce, but the reasons for your divorce may help your attorney when it comes to negotiating certain aspects of the case (such as assets or alimony). So, sit down and create a timetable of events that led to your needing an attorney.
• Be Prepared to Answer Sensitive Questions – In order for your divorce attorney to understand your case, they may have to ask pointed and even awkward questions. This is because they need all of the facts regarding your case  if they are going to be effective. Do not worry about shocking your attorney; they most likely have heard it all before.
• Gather Factual Information – By gathering factual information for your attorney, you can give them a head start on the discovery process. These facts can include the date of marriage,  and information regarding assets and liabilities.

Also, you may want to bring some documents to your initial appointment. These documents help your attorney prepare your case and can reduce unnecessary delays. Some documents you should gather include:

• Driver’s license
• Social security cards including children’s
• Name of employer and your spouse’s employer (including dates of employment)
• Copies of tax returns
• Copies of recent pay stubs
• Name of bank, investment, and savings accounts (including balances)
• Retirement account information
• Names and ages of children
• A detailed list of all debts owed, including account numbers, when they started, balances, etc.
• Details regarding any real estate

Ready to Schedule a Consultation with a FL Divorce Attorney?

Now that you know what is needed, you are ready to schedule your initial consultation with a divorce attorney. Contact the lawyers at McMichen, Cinami & Demps Attorneys at Law now for your consultation. During this initial meeting we will discuss the facts of your divorce, go over documentation you have provided, and give you a better understanding of what you can expect for your divorce case.

Contact Our Divorce Law Firm in Orlando, FL

Contact the experienced Orlando divorce lawyers at McMichen, Cinami & Demps today for legal assistance. Contact our Orlando, FL office at (407) 898-2161 to schedule a free consultation.

McMichen, Cinami & Demps – Orlando Office
1500 E Concord St
Orlando, FL 32803