When you get married, you and your spouse intertwine almost every aspect of your lives. You intertwine your lives, finances, living arrangements, and much more than that if you have children. If one or both of you decides to file for divorce, you will have to figure out how to unravel everything that you previously wanted to build together. This can be difficult.
Fortunately, this process can move much smoother if you work with a divorce lawyer. Working with a lawyer can help you sort out your differences and successfully separate your lives. But before that can happen, it’s up to you to make sure your lawyer has all the necessary information.
Make Sure Your Divorce Lawyer in Sugar Land Texas Has This Information
When meeting with your divorce lawyer for the first time, there are some important things you should remember to bring:
Marriage Records
One of the first things you should gather for a meeting with your divorce lawyer is your marriage records. That includes your:
- Birth certificates
- Prenuptial agreement (if applicable)
- Marriage certificate
Financial Records
Marriage involves a lot of financial co-mingling. Some couples keep separate checking accounts or savings accounts, but the majority combine their finances upon marriage. When divorcing, you should bring your lawyer as much information as possible relating to:
- Mortgage
- Bank statements
- Pay stubs
- Insurance policies
The financial information that you provide helps your divorce lawyer negotiate a settlement that is fair to both parties.
Real Estate Documents
A divorce lawyer can help you make decisions about your primary residence, businesses, vacation homes, rental properties, and investment properties.
List of Questions You Have
Everyone has questions when they meet with a divorce lawyer for the first time. Before you meet, start compiling a list of questions that you have about the lawyer, law firm, divorce process, child custody, fees, timelines, and more. The more information you have and questions you ask up front, the easier it is for your lawyer to do his or her job.
Some of the common questions that people ask their divorce lawyers include:
- Do you specialize in divorce cases?
- What is your fee structure and costs?
- How long will my case take?
- How will we communicate (in person, telephone, Zoom, etc.)?
- Who will be working on my case?
- How does your state handle division of property?
- How will my taxes be affected?
- Do you also handle child custody and support cases?
- Do I qualify for child support or alimony?
- What should I do if I think my child is in danger?
These are just a few examples of the questions that couples and individuals often have when filing for divorce.
Why Hire a Divorce Lawyer
Divorce is a complex and emotional legal matter. Ultimately, the goal of divorce is to dissolve the marriage and successfully separate each spouse and related finances. If there are children involved, another goal is ensuring their safety and wellbeing. This is all best done with the help of a divorce lawyer.
Our divorce lawyer in Washington, DC will provide the support that you need to confidently move into the new time in your life. Get the best start possible by providing all necessary and relevant information.