Preparing For A First Divorce Meeting
Bring three things to a first divorce meeting: a rough list of what you own and owe, the last two years of tax returns, and a written note of your questions. With those in hand, a lawyer can give you real answers in one hour instead of general ones.
Start With The Money Picture
You do not need perfect records. A single page listing the home, cars, bank and retirement accounts, credit cards and loans, with rough balances, lets us sketch how Georgia courts usually divide property and where the difficult questions are likely to be.
Documents That Save Time
- Tax returns for the last two years, including all schedules.
- Recent pay stubs for you and, if available, your spouse.
- Statements for retirement and investment accounts.
- Any prenuptial or postnuptial agreement.
- Court papers, if you have already been served.
The best first meetings are the ones where the client does most of the talking and leaves with a written list of next steps.
Ruth Sterling, Managing Partner
Questions Worth Writing Down
Write down what worries you most, even if it feels small. Common questions include where the children will live during the process, whether you can stay in the home, and how legal fees are usually paid. There are no wrong questions in a consultation.
| If you have | Bring | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Children | School calendars and activity schedules | Parenting plans are built around real routines |
| A business | Recent profit and loss statements | Business value can affect property division |
| A home | Latest mortgage statement | Equity is often the largest shared asset |
After The Meeting
Expect a short written summary within a few days: the likely path, the main risks and an honest fee range. Nothing is filed until you decide to go ahead.
Common Questions
Do I need my spouse’s permission to meet a lawyer?
No. A consultation is confidential, and you can meet a lawyer at any point without telling your spouse.
Should I move out before the meeting?
Talk with a lawyer first if you can. Moving out can affect custody and property questions later.
What if I cannot find every document?
Bring what you have. We can request missing records during the process.
General information for Georgia readers, not legal advice for your situation.
