The initial consultation is a big first step in a divorce case. We know it took a lot emotionally to get to the point of scheduling your consultation, and we want to ensure it's an effective meeting where you get your questions answered.
The best way for us to ensure we answer all your questions is to ensure we have good information. While we will not have time to review every document that you could possibly bring, we want to provide you a list of the things we would like to see that will help us to answer the most common questions that individuals and couples tend to ask when seeking a divorce or dissolution.
Accordingly, we ask you bring the following documents, or as many of the following as you can quickly place your hands on:
Prior Orders / Court Paperwork. Bring with you any prior court paperwork, if a divorce or custody action has already occurred, please bring that documentation. If a new action has been started, please bring that new paperwork. Any existing court orders for other children, whether or not they are part of this marriage or relationship, should be brought, as well.
Paystubs. Ideally, please bring your four (4) most recent pay stubs from each employer. (We need proofs of all sources of income, including: unemployment benefits, social security, investment dividends, retirement or pension income, child support or spousal support you receive, gambling or lottery winnings, income from rental properties or other business interests, and/or annuities.)
Tax Returns. Your last three (3) years of federal, state, and local income tax returns. It is not uncommon for one person to know less about the finances than the other party in the marriage; accordingly, these documents will help us to identify income, certain expenses for child support calculations, business structures, and other assets.
Real Estate Deeds. The recorded property deed for any real estate owned by you or your spouse. This will help us to know the dates of acquisition and the name in which the properties are titled.
Mortgage Statements. A current mortgage statement showing the monthly payment and balance due on the marital residence and any other real estate in your name.
Appraisals. A copy of any appraisal within the last five (5) years for any real estate in your name, your spouse's name, or any family business name.
Auto Loan Statements. A current statement for any auto loan showing the monthly payment and balance due for any loan for any vehicle in your name, your spouse's name, or any family business name.
Credit Card Statements. A current statement for each credit card or other revolving credit account in your name showing the monthly payment and balance due.
Retirement Plan Statements. A current statement for each retirement plan showing the balance of funds in the account (including non-vested amounts).
Stocks, Mutual Funds, and Investments. A current statement for any stocks, mutual funds, or other investments.
Life Insurance. A copy of any whole life insurance policy and/or statement.
Safety Deposit Box Inventory. A statement for any safety deposit boxes showing the location of such deposit box and an itemized list of the items and value contained therein.
Bankruptcy Discharge. A copy of the Final Discharge for any bankruptcies you filed within the last five (5) years.
Separate Property. A list of any property you are claiming as separate property (gifts, inheritance, or pre-marital).
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