Preparing for the First Meeting with Your Attorney

If you have reached the point where you are considering contacting a family law attorney, you are probably undergoing an emotional and stressful time in you life. Though it will be difficult, you will need to sort out your emotions from the facts in order to proceed because even in family law matters, the court uses a rational, business-like approach. The advice and involvement of an experienced family law attorney can help.

After you decide to make an appointment for your initial consultation, create a list or a timetable of the events that caused you to turn to a lawyer for your family law case. It is important for you to be forthcoming and honest. If your attorney doesn't know all the facts, he or she can't be as effective as possible.

Give your attorney a head start on the discovery process by preparing for your initial consultation. Gather as much factual information as possible.

This is a lengthy list. Do your best to gather all of the following information:

• Copy of your marriage certificate.
• A copy of any domestic contracts (e.g., a prenuptial agreement, community property agreement).
• Information about any previous legal proceedings between the spouses or involving any of the children.
• The name of your employer and your spouse's employer, including dates of employment.
• Social security and driver's license numbers.
• Copies of your (single or joint) income tax returns for the last three years.
• Copies of your last six months' pay stubs (if you work outside the home).
• Copies of your spouse’s last six months' pay stubs.
• Proof of other household income.
• Copies of bank statements, checkbook registers and Quicken/Microsoft Money data for the past six months' on each checking and savings account.
• Copies of any stocks and bonds in your possession.
• Copies of your last six months' account statements for each investment account.
• Copies of retirement and pension account information, if available.
• A list of other valuable items such as jewelry, artwork and other collections.
• Copies of your real estate purchase documents for each property owned, and a copy of your most recent mortgage balance statement.
• List all debts including amount owed, to whom, account numbers, when they were incurred, when due and whose name they are in.
• Education and employment background of both parties.
• Names and ages of children.
• Note any "skeletons" that may be at issue, such as drug/alcohol abuse, criminal history of either party, if any, or sexual misconduct. 

Remember, the information you provide your attorney is protected by the attorney/client privilege. It is imperative that you be fully honest with your attorney so she can help you.