What should I bring to my meeting with a divorce attorney in Memphis, Tennessee?

Meeting with a divorce attorney in Memphis, TN can be a source of anxiety, but also a great opportunity to discuss one’s case and learn more about the lawyer. Whether a person is ready to file for divorce or simply wants more information about the various options available, it helps to be prepared by bringing important documents and pieces of information pertaining to the case.

What to Bring 

Going into these meetings, people should be prepared to give out personal information about themselves as well as their spouse: 

• names;
• addresses;
• phone numbers;
• employment information;
• dates of birth;
• social security numbers; and
• driver license numbers. 

If a client has children, their names, genders and birth dates should be given, as well as any special medical or financial needs.

It is also important to bring all financial information: 

• pay stubs;
• bank statements;
• tax returns;
• mortgage information;
• IRAs; and
• 401(k)s.

A detailed list that includes all debts, such as credit cards, mortgages and car loans, and assets, such as real estate and vehicles, should also be given to the divorce attorney in Memphis so he or she can evaluate the financial situation.

Besides personal and financial information, it helps to bring information related to the cause of the divorce. For example, if one spouse is filing for divorce because the other is cheating, s/he should bring any evidence of adultery, such as love letters or emails that were obtained legally. If the reason for the divorce is financial issues, the spouse should be prepared with bank statements proving this point.  For a much more detailed look at what a divorce lawyer will need prior to and after filing for divorce, see Grab the Documents: What Spouses Need to Copy for Divorce Lawyers.

It is also important to be prepared with any questions a client has regarding the Memphis, TN divorce attorney’s: 

• experience;
• qualifications;
• payment structure; and
• about the divorce process in general.

Before hiring an attorney, clients should understand these issues and make sure that their questions are answered.

Clients should also discuss their wishes regarding the various issues of the divorce and the divorce process in general. For example, some clients may want to get as much as they can in the settlement; others may wish to target a particular asset; while for others the priority may be getting the process over with as quickly as possible.  For more information, read How to Choose the Right Tennessee Family Lawyer for Your Divorce.

Why it Helps to be Prepared 

Many attorneys offer free consultations during which potential clients can ask questions about the lawyer, the legal case, or the process in general, and so an attorney can evaluate the circumstances of the case. Proper preparation helps to ensure that client and attorney get the most out of the meeting.

Coming prepared to the initial meeting can also help get the case off on the right foot. Providing a good deal of information up front can create a good starting point so the attorney understands the details of the case and can proceed accordingly. 

Contacting a Lawyer 

A divorce can be a lengthy process and it can last much longer than needed without proper preparation and organization. A lawyer with the Miles Mason Family Law Group can help clients with a variety of family law needs such as divorce, child support, and more. Contact us today at (901) 683-1850 to set up a free consultation with a divorce attorney in Memphis, TN.