How Can I Prepare for a Consultation with a Divorce  Attorney? 

 Posted on July 29, 2022 in Family Law

Any divorce attorney worth their salt will emphasize the importance of strategically planning for your Illinois divorce. Perhaps the most important phase of the entire divorce process, the planning stage begins with collecting accurate information and setting realistic expectations so you and your Illinois divorce attorney can work together as a team. 

Before doing this, however, you actually need to pick an attorney - and with so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose which one is the best for you. Here is a list of five things you can bring to a divorce consultation to ensure you get the most information out of each meeting. 

Honesty

Perhaps the most important thing you can bring to your divorce consultation is the preparedness to be forthcoming. An attorney can only be helpful insofar as they truly understand your case. Experienced divorce lawyers have already seen the full gamut of reasons people get divorced, so there is no need to feel shame or try to hide facts. Tell the truth and give an attorney a chance to show you how they can help. 

Questions

Although you may not quite know what to expect from a divorce attorney, come prepared with a list of questions that will help you understand each attorney’s experience, fee range, and strategy for handling a case. Although divorce consultations are confidential, you are welcome to take notes. 

Evidence

If you are planning to make allegations of domestic violence or child abuse - or are worried that these claims may be falsely made against you - bring any evidence you have to back up your version of the facts. Knowing whether you need to begin collecting more evidence immediately will be an essential part of an early divorce strategy. 

Financial Statements

So much of a divorce is spent dividing a couple’s current finances and allocating funds for the future in the form of child and spousal support. Bring tax returns, pay stubs, and anything else that documents you and your spouse’s financial situation. 

Legal Documents

If you signed a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, be sure to bring that. Any other legal documents that may be relevant to your case, such as your children’s birth certificates, parenting time arrangements, or spousal support orders from previous marriages, should be brought as well. 

Call an Experienced Hinsdale, IL Divorce Attorney 

The skilled DuPage County divorce lawyers at Law Office of Martoccio & Martoccio believe that knowledge is power. We want to give you all the information you need to help you build a strong case and negotiate to your advantage throughout your divorce. The first step in this process is preparing well for your free divorce consultation. Call us at 630-920-8855 to schedule your first meeting with us today and start your divorce on the right foot. 

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+IV&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=3900000&SeqEnd=5400000