Preparing for Your First Meeting with a Divorce Attorney

Getting a divorce is a stressful experience for everyone involved, especially since most people have no idea what to expect throughout the process. Once you decide to file for divorce, you’ll want to find a lawyer to represent your interests. Learn how to prepare for a divorce attorney consultation with this guide.

First Divorce Meeting: What to Expect

Often, your first meeting with a divorce lawyer in Franklin, TN, is the first time you’ll discuss the ins and outs of your marriage in such detail. It’s natural to be nervous about that first meeting. If you’re about to go through a divorce and have your first consultation with an attorney coming up, take the time to familiarize yourself with the process.

What to Do When Preparing for a Divorce Attorney Meeting in Franklin

Before your first meeting, come prepared by following these steps:

Organize Financial Documents

Your divorce attorney will need a detailed view of your household’s finances, which is especially important for the fair division of property.

Write Down Your Goals

Knowing what you want to gain from your divorce will help your attorney define a practical approach. Be specific and thorough about every aspect of the life you want after the divorce.

Make a List of Questions

It’s normal to feel uncertain and have a dozen questions unanswered about what to expect. If you already have any solid questions, make a note of them before your first meeting so you can get the clarity you need from your lawyer.

Understand the Timeline

There is no set timeline for a divorce. Depending on each party’s willingness to collaborate, it could take longer than you anticipate.

Gather Relevant Records

If there is any other information about your marriage that would impact the outcome of your divorce, be sure to bring any relevant records to your first consultation. Even if you’re unsure of its relevance, it’s better to provide information that your lawyer won’t use than to leave out critical details until later.

What to Bring to a Divorce Attorney Consultation

When you consult with your attorney for the first time, it’s best to bring:

• Personal information: Collect any documents related to your marriage, such as proof of address, occupation, income and birth, as well as the marriage certificate, prenuptial agreement and information about your children. You can always confirm with your attorney beforehand which documents to bring.
• Financial records: Any information about your personal and joint finances may be helpful in your case. For example, gather recent pay slips, tax returns, credit card bills and retirement account details.
• Children’s documents: If you have children, include any information about their school records, medical history or existing custody agreements.
• Court documents: Any legal matters that either you or your spouse is involved in will be relevant to your divorce attorney.

Questions You Should Ask Your Attorney

The most important thing you can do when consulting with a divorce lawyer for the first time is ask questions. Before your first meeting, compile a list of questions to ask during the consultation. The last thing you want is having to arrange another meeting to discuss anything you’ve missed. Here are some common questions to ask your divorce lawyer about the fees, your case and the general process:

What to Ask About Fees and Costs

You need to have a clear understanding of the financial implications of your divorce. During your first meeting, here is what to ask your divorce lawyer about your case:

• What is your hourly rate?
• Do you charge a retainer? If so, how much?
• What are your billing practices?

What to Ask About Your Case

Getting an idea of potential outcomes and timelines can put your mind at ease about what to expect. Ask your lawyer these questions about your case:

• Based on my situation, what are the most realistic outcomes?
• What’s the typical timeline for cases like mine?
• What’s your success rate with custody disputes?

What to Ask About the Process

Every marriage is different, and so is divorce. Your divorce may take more or less time to resolve, depending on the specifics of your case. Here are some questions to ask your lawyer for a better understanding of the process:

• Will you handle my case personally?
• How often will we communicate?
• What’s the best way to reach you?

What Not to Do Before Meeting With Your Divorce Lawyer

Preparing for a meeting with a divorce lawyer also means knowing what not to do:

• Hide or transfer assets: When it comes to the division of property, your lawyer has to know about all of your assets. Hiding or transferring them will only harm your settlement.
• Make major financial decisions: Until you see what life beyond divorce will look like for you, refrain from making any significant financial commitments.
• Discuss case details with others: Avoid talking about your divorce with anyone except your lawyer. Do not post about it on social media, and refrain from speaking directly to your spouse’s legal representation.

What to Know About Child Support in Tennessee

If you and your spouse have a child, you need to understand Tennessee’s child support laws and guidelines. For your first divorce attorney consultation in Franklin, it’s helpful to know how the courts typically calculate child support.

Based on Chapter 1240-02-04 of the Child Support Guidelines under the Rules of the Tennessee Department of Human Services, child support calculations consider both parents’ gross income, whether it’s earned or unearned. That means any income, not just salaries, impacts child support contributions. When you meet with your divorce attorney for the first time, ask them how child support is likely to play out in your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about Tennessee divorce below:

• How much should I prepare for my first attorney meeting? Spend two to three hours organizing documents and writing down your goals. Thorough divorce attorney appointment preparation can save you hundreds in attorney fees.
• Can I bring my spouse to the first meeting? No. Since your attorney needs to discuss confidential matters about your case, it’s best if your spouse is not present.
• What if I can’t find all my documents? Bring everything you have, as long as it belongs to you. Your attorney can help request missing documents through discovery, so whatever you do, don’t go through your spouse’s personal documents behind their back.

Get Help With Your Divorce in Franklin

If you need help with a pending divorce or think you might be ready to file, contact the divorce lawyers at Fort, Holloway, & Saylor in Franklin, TN, receive our strategic guidance and a realistic assessment of your case. For more information about the process of getting a divorce, explore our comprehensive family law services in Franklin, Tennessee.