Getting divorced can be stressful even when you and your spouse are in agreement on most terms. That’s why working with an experienced New Jersey divorce attorney is always a good idea. They’ll help guide you through the process and can take much of the stress out of your divorce. If you’ve just scheduled your first consultation, it’s normal to feel nervous about the conversations you’ll have. Let’s take a look at what you can expect during your first meeting with your divorce attorney.
You’ll Need to Provide Basic Information
First and foremost, you’ll need to provide your attorney with some basic background information. This may include things like:
- Your name
- Your address
- Any children you have with your spouse
- A general overview of the types of assets you have
- Loan details and information
If you don’t have the answers during your consultation, that’s okay. Just be ready to get the information when you leave and send it to your attorney as soon as possible.
Your Attorney Will Ask About Your Situation
Your attorney will take the time to get to know you and your situation during your consultation. This may feel uncomfortable, but the more information you can give them during this meeting, the better they’ll be able to represent your interests in court.
Be honest about the relationship you have with your spouse, your reasons for getting divorced, and any other relevant questions they ask. Remember, they’re working for you. The more they understand your situation, the easier it will be for them to negotiate with your spouse’s attorney or, if needed, represent your interests in court.
They’ll Explain Your Legal Options
Contrary to popular belief, there’s more than one type of divorce that you can pursue. And some divorces, especially those resulting from abuse or infidelity, may be eligible for additional lawsuits. Your attorney will explain your options in detail during your meeting.
If you have any questions that pop up during that meeting, ask them. Don’t feel that you have to wait until your next meeting to get the answers you need. The goal of this explanation is to provide you with the clarity you need to proceed with confidence.
You’ll Need to Provide Financial Information
Your attorney may ask for financial details during your first meeting. This isn’t done to verify that you can pay for their services. It’s done to give them a better understanding of the assets you have and the financial situation you and your spouse are in so they can help you receive a fair settlement once your divorce is finalized. You may want to provide them with:
- Bank account statements
- Loan statements
- A list of shared assets
- A list of individually owned assets
- Your debts
Your attorney can help you figure out what types of statements you’ll need to provide. It’s okay if this happens over the course of several meetings.
Be Ready to Explain What You Want
Your attorney will also ask you what you want from the divorce. This may include the assets you want to keep, custody arrangements, or other similar concerns. Be prepared to discuss those things in your meeting. The more your attorney understands your goals and what you want from your divorce, the better they’ll be able to represent you.
Work With an Experienced New Jersey Divorce Attorney
Preparing for your initial appointment with your New Jersey divorce attorney can take a bit of effort, but the more information you’re prepared to discuss, the better. Remember, your first meeting will be one of many, so don’t panic about covering every topic during the appointment. Just be honest and discuss your concerns openly.
Need help navigating a divorce? Contact the team at Carvajal Law today to schedule a free consultation.