When spouses are entering a divorce, it is a complex process with a variety of legal matters that must be handled before a marriage can officially be dissolved. The first step that should be taken to begin the proceedings is to hire an experienced and compassionate New Jersey divorce attorney for guidance during this difficult time in your life. When meeting with a divorce attorney for an initial consultation, it is important to know what to expect.
What Information Should I Bring?
As a divorce separates two lives from one another, there are many issues that need to be covered. This can range from the division of assets to determining the future of any children you may have. These matters can be difficult to handle, which is why an attorney can guide you through it. In order to do so, it is important for them to have a basic understanding of your situation. This includes information regarding both you and your spouse. In order to do so, it is necessary to bring the proper documentation to an initial consultation. This can include but is not limited to the following:
- The divorce complaint, if already filed
- Recent pay stubs
- Individual and business tax returns, W-2 forms, and 1099s
- Recent bank statements
What Can I Expect During a Consultation?
Generally speaking, the first meeting with a divorce attorney tends to last approximately one hour. During so, the attorney will ask you a variety of questions pertaining to your marriage and the goals of your divorce. This can include the length of the marriage, both yours and your spouse’s income and employment history, any assets or debts you both have, if children are in the picture, etc. Details you may wish to provide your attorney with can include:
- A brief history of the marriage
- Background information about yourself, your spouse, and your children
- Your immediate situation
- Your intentions and goals regarding your situation
- What information you are seeking from the consultation
It is important to remember that, when going into a meeting, the advice you may receive can vary depending on the circumstances of your case.
Can I Bring Support?
No one begins their marriage with the expectation that it may someday end. It is because of this that divorce proceedings often bring up a wide range of emotions for those involved. That is why it is crucial to have a support system in place for the difficult road ahead. This can begin with bringing a loved one along with you to the consultation. During this time, they are not only a shoulder to lean on, but they can also listen along, take notes, and ask important questions to help you.
Contact our Firm
If you require strong legal representation for matters related to divorce or family law, Haber Silver Russoniello & Dunn is here to help. We proudly represent clients in Morris County and throughout the state of New Jersey. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.
