Laurie Schmitt Family Law

W. Michigan family law specializing in Collaborative Divorce

616.608.4634

Initial

Preparing For The Initial Consultation

By

You made the appointment for your initial consultation and now wonder what you should bring to the first meeting with the attorney.  For the attorney to prepare a snapshot of your case, you should be prepared to answer questions regarding your finances and property holdings.  To make the most of that first meeting, I suggest having the following information and/or documentation with you:

Consultation for Divorce
  1. List of all bank accounts.  Provide account numbers, current balances, and statements for the last three months for each account.  (savings, checking, CD’s, credit unions)
  2. Copies of titles and registrations for all vehicles, boats. etc.
  3. Blue book values on all vehicles and boats.  Print reports for private party values for each vehicle and/or boat.
  4. Warrant Deed and statements reflecting mortgage balances owed for all real estate.
  5. Copy of Appraisal for home (if recent).
  6. Copies of life insurance policies.
learn more about laurie
  1. Most recent property tax statement and any recent appraisal reports for all real estate.
  2. Statements for each retirement account statements (401k’s, IRA’s, 403B’s, pensions, profit sharing, etc.).
  3. Statements for investments (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.).
  4. Information for inheritance received during the marriage.
  5. List all credit cards and other debts (mortgages, car loans, home equity lines of credit) indicating whether joint or individual, and balance owed, and provide copies of statements for the last three months for each.
  6. Documents for all other indebtedness.
  7. Any financial statements recently prepared (ex: for loan applications).
  8. Recent paystubs for both spouses.
  9. The last three years’ tax returns with W-2’s and schedules attached.
  10. Business interests, corporate stock certificates, etc.
  11. Franchise agreements.
  12. Employment Contracts.
  13. Lease agreements.
  14. Copy of household budget if used.
  15. Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements.
  16. If you have children under 18:
    • Verification of yearly daycare costs
    • Information on, or copy of, current health care cards
    • Cost of employer provided health insurance with breakdown for costs for self and cost for self with family
  17. Often, attorneys do not need to review all of these documents at the initial interview.  However, having the information in your hands during the first meeting will assist you in answering questions regarding your finances.  And the more specific the information you can provide to the attorney, the better the legal advice will be.

For more information about your rights as it pertains to divorce, contact me, Laurie Schmitt, Attorney at Law, at Schmitt Law, PLLC, by calling 616-608-4634.

How to Prepare for the Initial Consultation with a Divorce Attorney

By

How to Prepare for the Initial Consultation with a Divorce Attorney

You’ve made the decision to seek advice from a divorce attorney. You’ve made the appointment. What preparation should you take to use your time efficiently at the consultation? The initial consultation various from attorney to attorney. However, most divorce consultations include a discussion of the divorce process, custody, parenting time, financial matters, and attorneys fees and costs.

So how should you prepare for this consultation? There are many steps you can take to make sure your first meeting is as productive and useful as possible.

  1. Prepare a list of questions. Many clients are unsure what to ask, or are so overwhelmed they simply forget what they wanted to ask. The interview is much more effective if it can be tailored to your specific needs. That way, you are assured to leave the interview with the information you need. What are your concerns? Do you worry about how you will support the children and pay the bills during the divorce? Is your spouse telling you that you must move out of the marital home before the completion of the divorce?
  2. Compile your financial data to include your assets and liabilities. Be prepared for financial questions from your divorce attorney. Come to the first meeting prepared to tell the attorney what you own, and what you owe. Arrive with copies of your available financial records to include tax returns, mortgage statements, credit card statements, retirement account statements, paystubs, business records, and any other document relating to your financial situation. Do you know how much is in your spouse’s retirement account, or what your mortgage balance is? Do you know the names and balances of your credit cards?
  3. Prepare a list of background information. Your list should contain names, addresses, social security numbers, and employer information for both you and your spouse, the names and birth dates of your children, and the name of the medical insurance provider for you and your children. Do you know the name and policy number of the children’s medical provider? Do you know the children’s social security numbers?
  4. Prepare a goals list. Outline what you want at the conclusion of the divorce proceeding. It may be impossible to know your exact expectations prior to consulting at attorney. Hence, this list may not be all-inclusive. However, it is important to convey to the attorney your current expectations regarding custody, parenting time, and the division of the marital assets. Are you seeking custody of the minor children? Do you want to keep the marital home?
  5. Discuss a budget with your attorney. Every divorce is unique. However, a candid conversation with the attorney about fees and costs is necessary Your interview should include a discussion about the attorney’s hourly fee, their retainer fee, and any costs related to your case. To avoid disappointment, go into the relationship with a full understanding of your financial responsibilities. What is the attorney’s retainer fee? Will you be responsible to pay for travel costs, copies and postage?