What Your Divorce Solicitor Needs To Know
Once you've chosen a divorce solicitor, you'll need to provide information and direction to him or her. When your solicitor requests information, respond as quickly, completely, and concisely as you can.
Of course, every case is unique, but the following checklist will give you an idea of what information your divorce solicitor will need. You need to disclose:
Why you are seeking a divorce. What caused your breakup? Are you sure you want to end the marriage, or is the visit to a solicitor meant to be a wake-up call to your spouse? " The client needs to be sure that he or she actually wants a divorce, " says Wildstein. " If he or she's secretly hoping for a reconciliation, then the client and solicitor are working towards different goals."
Personal data about you, your spouse, and your children (if any). Write down your names (maiden name, too, if applicable); your home and work addresses and telephone numbers; your ages and places of birth; your Social Security Numbers; your states of health -- both mental and physical; your Green Card(s) and immigration papers (if applicable).
Facts about your marriage. When and where did you get married? Did you sign a prenuptial agreement? If so, bring a copy of the agreement with you. Have either of you been married before? Provide details of your previous divorce(s).
Whether there will be issues involving your children -- such as custody or access.
Financial information. What assets and debts did each of you bring into the marriage? What are your incomes and what are your expenses -- jointly and individually? What are the names and addresses of your employers? How much money does both of you have invested: in the bank, the stock market, etc.? Has either of you invested in insurance, a pension plan, a Pension and Profit Savings Plan? What property do you own (a house, car, boat, income property, etc.)? Was the property purchased before or after the marriage? Do you have a mortgage, and how much is still owed? Prior to seeing your solicitor, create a budget detailing how much you spend every month on items such as housing, food, clothing, personal grooming, gifts, vacations, etc. If you have children, and expect to be their primary caretaker, make sure you factor their costs into your budget.
Legal documents. Bring copies of prior or pending lawsuits, bankruptcy suits, judgments, and garnishments.
Your divorce goals. Be very specific about your goals in terms of realizing your future and have your short-term goals for property, other assets, custody, visitation, and support are consistent with that future.
Our Goal
The goal of our firm is to provide honest, courteous and diligent representation while striving to keep your legal costs down and making the legal process as easy as possible on you.
Call us for a no-obligation consultation
Explore our law articles and learn more about us
Rest easy knowing your case is in experienced hands
* In contentious business a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or a proportion of any award or settlement.
The solicitors at Damian Nolan & Co.,
Solicitors (incorporating William A.
James & Co.)
have more than 40 years of combined experience
in the following areas of law:
Residential conveyancing, commercial conveyancing, family law, divorce, separations, child custody matters, personal injury*, business law, wills and probate, civil litigation*, employment law, defamation, civil litigation*
Telephone:
1-800-444 333 