Divorce can be one of the most trying situations a person can endure. Between financial considerations, the breakdown of your relationship, and child custody issues, there isn’t much that’s easy about the end of a marriage. It’s difficult to concentrate on external factors during a divorce, but the truth is that your immediate future will be determined in a court of law. Therefore, it’s important that you prioritize finding a good divorce lawyer in San Antonio, TX, to represent your interests in the divorce and help you navigate the rough waters of the family court system.
It’s important that you are well-prepared for your initial meeting with the lawyer you select. Being prepared means having the information your attorney will need to provide you with sound legal counsel. It also involves being completely honest about the terms of the breakdown of your marriage, as there are many facts that can be a part of determining the outcome of your case. Read on to learn more about how you can better prepare for your divorce lawyer consultation.
Gather Financial Information
One of the first things you’ll need to provide to your attorney is an accurate and thorough accounting of the details of your financial situation. Things like statements of income, financial debts and liabilities, and assets that are held by you and your spouse individually or jointly will be important. Some of the documents you may need to provide include tax returns, check stubs, dividend statements from investments, property deeds and titles, retirement account statements, and mortgage or credit card statements. Also, write down your monthly expenditures on critical things like housing, utilities, healthcare, and groceries. These details will all be of critical importance in your divorce proceedings, so it’s a good idea to give this information to your divorce attorney as soon as possible.
Provide A Narrative Timeline Of The Relationship
To help consolidate critical details and provide your attorney with a record that can be reviewed even after your meeting is over, it’s a good idea to write out a brief narrative timeline that features the dates of key events such as marriage, birth of children, purchases of property, or other life events. You may want to also include the details pertaining to the breakdown of the marriage in your narrative as well. For example, if there was infidelity, addiction, or negligence on the part of either party, your lawyer will definitely need to know the details of those circumstances.
Prepare A Wish List
Your attorney’s job in family court is to represent your best interests and attempt to see your wishes respected by the law. However, that is difficult to do without a detailed accounting of what your wishes are. Provide your attorney with a bulleted list of your wishes. For example, if you want to retain one of your jointly owned vehicles, remain in your jointly owned home, or wish to get custody of your children, your attorney needs to know that. Make your wishes clear to your lawyer, and don’t forget to include even seemingly small details. If you want that cherished picture of your family during your first Christmas together, be sure to mention it.
Bring Questions
Before meeting with your attorney, make sure that you’ve jotted down the questions that have been rolling through your head since the divorce proceedings came to fruition. The legal aspects of divorce and your rights while the divorce is pending may be confusing, so remember to put your mind at ease by asking your lawyer for clarification. After all, that’s what you pay your attorney to do. Also, ask for advice about contact with your spouse, the terms of custodial visitation, and any behavior that could be considered risky during the legal proceedings. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and the sooner you ask the question the sooner you’ll get the answer.