Properly preparing for a consultation with a divorce attorney can help you feel more assured that you will get the most out of your meeting. Each attorney may approach consultations differently, but there are some steps you can take to get the most out of your experience and leave with a clear understanding of your options. Here’s what you need to know when preparing for your first meeting with a divorce attorney.

Understand the Purpose of the Consultation

Just like when you visit a doctor who needs your medical history to address your current symptoms, your divorce lawyer will need some background information about your life and your marriage before they can answer your questions. Be prepared to provide information and details to help guide the consultation in the right direction.

Some questions the attorney might ask include:

  • How long have you been married?
  • Do you have children, and if so, how many?
  • What are your assets and debts?
  • How did you and your spouse reach this point in your relationship?

These questions allow your attorney to understand your situation and make the best possible recommendations for the next steps based specifically on your needs.

Is Any Special Preparation Required?

While many divorce attorneys don’t require potential clients to prepare any specific information before the consultation, it’s always a good idea to ask. Some attorneys may ask you to fill out forms in advance or require you to bring specific documents to your appointment. Being prepared can help facilitate a more productive meeting and gain a full understanding of your options at the end of the consultation.

Be Ready for an Open Conversation

A consultation with a divorce attorney is not a therapy session, however, it is important to discuss certain aspects of your relationship including what circumstances have led you to consider divorce. Be open and honest about the events of your marriage and ready to discuss details that will help the attorney best advise you.

“A good divorce attorney will leave you with information to help take the next step without feeling any pressure to hire them or do anything else.”
-Ashley Pepitone, Pepitone Family Law

What You Should Leave With

A good divorce attorney will provide you with information to help you make informed decisions. They may propose a plan of action and recommendations based specifically on your circumstances. Just like when you leave your doctor’s office you might receive a prescription or a referral to another specialist – at the end of your consultation with a divorce lawyer, you might walk away with a representation agreement, a referral to another attorney who might be a better fit, or referral to a marriage counselor. You should leave the consultation feeling empowered, not pressured, and with a clear understanding of the choices available to you.

If you’re thinking about your options for divorce, a consultation with a divorce attorney can help you understand the process and provide clarity on how you can proceed. Being well-prepared for your consultation can make the process more productive, and less stressful, helping you take action for a better future.

Get Started with Ease

If you are overwhelmed by the process of initiating a divorce and want to gain insight into your options, our Georgia divorce attorneys are here to help. We are committed to understanding your unique needs and creating a plan of action and recommendations so you can begin moving toward the future you desire. Reach out to schedule a consultation by calling (770) 800-2681 or filling out our online contact form.