Top 10 Things to Bring to an Initial Divorce Consultation

02 Nov Top 10 Things to Bring to an Initial Divorce Consultation

Top Things to Bring to an Initial Divorce Consultation

This is a list of the top ten documents every client should bring to his/her initial divorce consultation.

Of course, the more you bring, the better informed your attorney is and the better advice she can provide.

However, this is a good place to start:

• Most recent tax returns, including W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, etc.
• Most recent pay stubs, showing any amount withheld for the cost of the family’s health insurance.
• Most recent appraisal on the marital home, or the Tax Assessor’s valuation notice.
• Most recent mortgage statement for any existing mortgage, showing payoff amount and monthly payment owed.
• Copy of existing life insurance policies, whether term or whole life, and the beneficiary designation.
• Most recent statements for all known bank accounts, whether savings or checking.
• Most recent statements for all known investment and retirement accounts.
• Most recent loan and/or credit card statements, showing principle balance owed, required minimum payments, and to whom said debt is registered.
• Title to any and all vehicles owned, including boats.
• A list of any family heirlooms and/or any personal property worth an excess of $500.

Remember, when scheduling a divorce consult, it is always best to ask if you should bring any documents specific to your situation.  However, if you have these ten items, you can rest assured that your consultation fee will be well spent, and that you will leave your consult armed with the information and advice to make the right decisions.