Going through a divorce is never easy. However, with the right preparation—and the right lawyer on your side—it does not have to become an exercise in torture. To learn more about your rights and options in Maryland, contact a qualified divorce attorney and schedule an initial consultation. These are often provided on a complimentary basis. To maximize what you take away from this first visit, be prepared to provide specific information.
Preparing for your meeting with a divorce lawyer
Some useful items to have ready to show your attorney:
- Copies of tax returns for the last three years
- Information on financial accounts, including bank statements, pension plan and 401(k) and other retirement plan statements, both joint and separately owned
- At least three years of paycheck stubs, ideally for yourself and your spouse, showing such information as expense compensation, health plan deductions, and retirement plan deductions
- All deeds, mortgage statements, escrow, and other documents related to real estate owned jointly and separately, including real estate owned before and after the marriage
It also cannot hurt to jot down your questions and concerns about divorce proceedings. Bring the list to the meeting so you don’t forget to ask about everything. Maryland has very specific laws regarding common issues such as child custody and alimony payments. You should understand these to the best of your ability before proceeding with a divorce. The more you learn, the more prepared you are for whatever comes next.
You should leave your initial consultation with enough information to feel like you know what steps to take next, and whether the attorney is your best choice to help you through this transitional period. The more information you provide, the better your divorce lawyer can advise you on how to move forward with your life. Contact Hunt Valley, Maryland divorce attorney Gary Miles to find out more.
