When you are filing for divorce, you need a reliable lawyer who can get you the results you need. It’s important to choose the right lawyer for your situation, but also to set appropriate expectations and communicate clearly with them throughout the process.

A good first meeting with your lawyer can make the difference between a positive outcome and a negative one. This article will help you prepare for your first meeting and ensure you get the most out of it.
What to Bring to Your First Meeting with a Werribee Divorce Lawyer

When you meet with your werribee divorce lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. This will help you and your lawyer focus on the issues that matter most to you.

Whether you’re dealing with child custody, property division, alimony, or any other issue, it can be helpful to bring some documentation with you. This will help your attorney understand the issues better and give you the best possible chance of reaching an agreement that works for both of you.

For example, if you’re seeking spousal support or Alimony Pendente Lite (APL), you will need to provide your attorney with documentation that shows your income. This information can include pay stubs, year-end W2 statements, and tax returns.

Your lawyer will also want to see a copy of your Schedule of Assets and Debts, which lists out all community and separate property. Having this document available during your first meeting will allow your attorney to better assess what is owed in the marital home, as well as any other property that will be divided.
Documentation

One of the most important things to bring to your first meeting with a divorce lawyer is documentation that reflects your income and your spouse’s. Providing accurate information helps to limit confusion and clutter throughout the entire process.

This includes documents that show your total income (such as pay stubs) and any other sources of additional income, such as side hustles or commissions. It also includes documentation showing your and your spouse’s debts.

The Schedule of Assets and Debts is an essential document that must be completed before a court will grant the dissolution of marriage. Make sure to complete this before the initial consultation so your attorney can quickly understand the situation and start building a strong case for you.

You should also bring a copy of your marriage certificate so your attorney can establish that you and your spouse are legally married. This can be helpful for a number of reasons, including property division and alimony.
Goals for Your Divorce

In the dark of a divorce, it can be hard to picture what you want in the future. Having goals brightens the view and helps you keep focused on your next steps.

Goals are specific, measurable and time-bound. For example, if your goal is to get 50% of your assets during the divorce, it's clear and achievable.

It's also realistic, which makes it easier to stay on track. You know that if you achieve that goal, you've done something positive for yourself and your family.

During the divorce process, it's common to have powerful negative feelings about your spouse and/or children. These emotions can be overwhelming and can lead to bad decisions. Try to manage those strong feelings by keeping them in check and finding new ways to understand your partner's limitations or mistakes, as well as your own.
Communication

A divorce lawyer is there to help you navigate the complexities of your case. Having good communication with them can make the process more manageable, reducing anxiety and helping you feel confident in your legal representation.

In general, communication with your attorney is confidential, but there are limits to this privilege. For example, it doesn’t protect you from communication with your attorney if they’re asking for your assistance in committing fraud or any other illegal act.

When you’re talking with your attorney, you want to make sure everything you say is completely honest and accurate. This will ensure that you aren’t making any false statements or claims that could harm your case in court.

A great way to make communicating with your attorney easier is to keep all emails brief. This will save you time and ensure that you only send information when it’s necessary to answer your questions. It also makes it easier for your lawyer to respond to your questions and concerns.