How Can You Prepare to Meet with a New York Divorce Lawyer?

Although going through a divorce is seldom something to look forward to, it may be the best course of action in some situations. Having a skilled divorce lawyer on your side will ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

This piece will look at what you’ll need to bring to your first legal session and what facts your divorce lawyer will need to know.

What to Bring to the Meeting

Bring as much supporting documentation as possible to your consultation. This will assist your divorce lawyer in appropriately assessing the situation.

Helpful documentation may include:

• A copy of your marriage certificate
• Dates of marriage and separation
• A copy of any separation agreements, if applicable
• Copies of any prenuptial agreements or postnuptial agreements, if applicable
• Financial history (If possible, include tax returns, several months of pay stubs, and bank and credit card statements.)
• A list of assets and debts
• If applicable, copies of any trust agreements, insurance policies, pension/profit-sharing plans, and any other financial documents

Facts to Share with Your Divorce Lawyer

Some of the material revealed throughout the divorce process may not be favorable. However, hiding details from your lawyer that may come out later may almost certainly harm your case.

Make the following disclosures to your lawyer:

• Infidelity or Illegal Activity: Inform your lawyer of any adultery, drug/alcohol abuse, illegal/dishonest behavior, or other improper behaviors that your former spouse’s attorney may bring up during the divorce process. Disclosing this information upfront will allow your divorce lawyer to better prepare for and respond to these issues if they arise during discovery or trial proceedings.
• Finances: Talk to your divorce lawyer about any financial errors you made throughout your marriage. Include any gambling or other excessive spending that may have contributed to marital problems. Your divorce lawyer should also be aware of any financial issues that may have arisen during your separation, such as an inability to pay bills or large outstanding debts. If there are large assets at stake, you and your attorney will need to discuss how these assets will be divided.
• Internet: Make your lawyer aware of any internet evidence that the other side may use against you throughout the proceedings. Disclose any inflammatory posts, comments, or photos you may have posted on social media. You should also reveal any possible online evidence that you were unfaithful during the marriage. If there is any such evidence, it is best to advise your attorney as soon as possible so they can develop a strategy for dealing with it.

Contact an Experienced Divorce Lawyer in New York

The skilled legal specialists at Danziger Legal PLLC are committed to managing clients’ divorce concerns as professionally and compassionately as possible, regardless of how simple or complicated the circumstances are.

Call us at (866) 989-4181 or fill out our contact form.

We serve Rye Brook, Port Chester, New York City, White Plains, Yonkers, and surrounding New York communities.