At Vermont Family Law, we want to make it easier and more affordable for people to get a divorce. Divorce doesn’t always have to cost tens of thousands of dollars, and the truth is that sometimes you don’t need a lawyer to get a divorce.
But in those cases when you do need a divorce lawyer, it helps to come to your first meeting prepared. Getting everything organized in advance will help make the process run much more smoothly. Plus, it can save you precious time with the lawyer. And since lawyers generally charge for every minute, saving time means saving money. (If you’re interested in a flat fee divorce, let me know!)
Here’s a list of what to bring to your first meeting with a divorce lawyer:
Recent financial documents, such as bank statements and utility bills
Last year’s tax return
Any documents you have received from the court
The addresses of each place where your children have lived
Basic information about the marriage: when and where were you married, the Date of Birth and Social Security Numbers of you, your spouse and all of your children
A notebook or something to take notes on
In addition to bringing these physical items, there are some things that it helps to consider before you walk into that first meeting with a divorce lawyer. Thinking these things through in advance can help make the process run more smoothly.
Some other (less obvious) things to consider before meeting with your divorce lawyer:
Thoughts about what you would like your life to look like when this is over
Where do you want to live? (realistically)
Will you continue your current job?
When will the children be with you? Does that fit in with your ideas about where you live and what you do for work?
It can be tough to try and imagine life after your divorce, but thinking about these realities early on will make it much easier for everyone involved.
Have more questions about divorce in Vermont? I'd love to help!
Book a consultation or learn more about Flat Fee Divorce.
Contact me: (802) 255-1252