Often at the end of an initial meeting with a potential client, I am asked “What have I not asked that I should?” It’s a good question without an easy answer, because issues in every divorce are almost as unique as every family. However, in general, there are 4 areas to address in a new consultation, including some basic questions related to each:
- Legal and physical custody: are there issues of medical care, education or religion where you and spouse do not agree? What concerns do you have about how you and your spouse will exercise custodial time with the children? Are there mental health or addiction issues that need to be addressed? Do any of the children have special needs?
- Property division: is there any pre-marital property or property that was gifted that should not be included in the division of marital property? Are there issues of misconduct that should be addressed in a property division?
- Child support: what are the respective incomes of each parent? Are there extraordinary expenses for the children that need to be addressed?
- Spousal support/maintenance: will one party need or request spousal support from the other parent? Is one party under-employed? What are the reasonable monthly needs of each party, and can each afford to pay those?
Finally, if there is something you are worried about, or something that is on your mind that was not covered in your meeting, make sure to ask. Write down a list of questions or concerns so you don’t forget anything while you’re in the meeting. Going to see a divorce attorney is often unsettling, but when you go in with a list of what you want to cover, you can at least walk out knowing those issues were addressed.
For any family law matters or questions, please reach out to one of the family law attorneys at Sandberg Phoenix.
