For many, the idea of your first family law attorney meeting in Tulsa can be overwhelming — and a little intimidating.
If you are going through a divorce or child custody action, you probably know very little of the procedures involved. In contrast, divorces and child custody cases are what your soon-to-be family law attorney works on every day and went to years of schooling to perfect.
However, your family law attorney is there to help you and be your advocate. Feeling stressed and overwhelmed is natural, but not necessary. Every step of the way, your family law attorney will guide you.
Here are some ways to start your relationship and be prepared for the first family law attorney meeting.
Maximize Your First Family Law Attorney Meeting
You want to use every minute of your first family law attorney meeting discussing relevant issues in your case. It is very helpful to bring documents with you, but it is not required. Bringing the documents mentioned below helps your attorney give the best, well-informed advice in the first family law attorney meeting.
In addition, having these documents ready will save on time your attorney may spend on trying to track down you or the documents in order to more forward on your case. This ends up saving you time billed because you have already done all the heavy lifting!
Write down all your specific questions ahead of time, and bring a notebook. There is a lot of information that you will cover in your first family law attorney meeting. Writing everything down will help recall and save your money so you don’t have to keep calling your family law attorney with questions.
Summary of Family History
One of the first documents to hand to your attorney during the first family law attorney meeting is a summary of your family history. Make a copy for yourself so that you can reference this when going over it with your family law attorney.
The family summary should include when you and your spouse where married and where you were married, the names of your children and their birth dates, your education and employment history — as well as your spouse’s — and any special needs you, your spouse or your children have.
Assets and Debts
This is a really important category because this is a large piece of the divorce process. Assets and debts are divided using equitable distribution — The only way to divide the assets and debts is to have an accurate understanding of what they are currently.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for spouses to start hiding assets or valuables when a divorce proceeding begins, so having a comprehensive list is very important. If you can, take pictures of the most valuable assets in case you are concerned your divorce may become high-conflict.
Here are some examples of what to include in your asset and debt list:
- Any and all real estate you own
- Cars, jewelry, valuable art, furniture, any collections
- Bank Accounts
- Financial Investment Accounts
- Pensions, retirement
- If you own a family business: financial statements for last three years
- If you have a Trust, any documents pertaining to it
- Debts: mortgage, credit cards, loans
When making this list for your first family law attorney meeting, make sure to include the dates when the asset or debt begun. For example, the date you purchased your family home, when your retirement started to accrue, etc.
Additional Documents
There are three more miscellaneous documents that you should bring with you to your first family law attorney meeting. First, bring any documentation or list of any valuable gifts that you received or any inheritance you have been given.
Second, bring with you your proof of income. This can be pay stubs or tax returns. Most clients bring two years of tax returns and their pay stubs if they are currently working.
Last, make a breakdown of current expenses for your children. This includes activities like sports teams, piano or music lessons, school activities, and any additional medical or dental costs that aren’t covered by insurance. This will help your family law attorney get a better idea of you and your spouses total financial status.
Free Consultation with a Tulsa Child Support Attorney
Your first family law attorney meeting can be emotionally exhausting — you are discussing topics that you probably would never discuss with your best friend. A skilled family law attorney will ensure a smooth process and minimal stress for everyone.
Hiring a knowledgeable and compassionate family law attorney will ensure the process is expertly conducted and your interests are well represented.
Contact an experienced Tulsa family law attorney when you need to go through the Oklahoma relocation process.
For a free confidential consultation, call now at 918-924-5526.
