A divorce can often be challenging and time-consuming, with many legal considerations you must make. As such, it’s unsurprising that many going through this process want to do everything possible to speed up their divorce. One step you can take is to compile the necessary documents when meeting with a meeting a divorce attorney. If you’re getting ready to talk to Los Angeles preparing for divorce attorneys, you’ll want to keep reading to learn what documents you should bring.
What Documents Do I Need to Bring When Meeting a Divorce Attorney?
If you’re meeting an attorney, it’s important to bring the necessary documents to your initial meeting.
The first thing you’ll need to bring is your marriage license. Your attorney will examine the document to ensure it’s legitimate in order to proceed with the divorce.
Next, you’ll need to gather your’s and your spouse’s financial information. This includes federal and state tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, pensions, retirement accounts, and any loan applications in your and your spouse’s name. You should also bring any information regarding businesses, such as financial statements and bank records.
You’ll also need to bring information regarding your assets. This includes deeds and mortgage payments, business valuations, estimated values of property like jewelry or paintings, vehicle titles, and insurance titles. You must also bring information in regard to any debts owed, as these must also be distributed. If you and your spouse have an estate plan or trust funds in place, be sure to bring those documents with you.
What Else Can I Do to Prepare?
In addition to gathering the necessary documents to bring to your meeting, you’ll need to bring additional documents. This includes any court orders against your spouse, like a restraining order. You may also want to compile a list of text message communications if your ex has been violent towards or threatened you, as this is essential information your attorney will want to know.
If you and your spouse have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, you must bring this with you, as your attorney will need to examine the terms and conditions of the document.
Finally, you’ll need to ensure you have a list of questions before showing up to meet with your attorney. When speaking to a lawyer for the first time, you may become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information you receive at once. As a result, it can be easy to forget the questions or concerns you had before the meeting.
When you’re ready to begin the dissolution of your marriage, ensuring you have an experienced attorney from the Zitser Family Law Group to represent you is vital. Unfortunately, divorces are complex and emotional legal matters. As such, it’s essential to have a dedicated and compassionate team on your side. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
