Jennifer Abrams on Meeting with a Divorce Attorney
Going through a divorce is one of the most challenging things a person can do. This process can be even more difficult if you do not have an experienced divorce attorney to guide you. If you are in the process of getting a divorce or are just considering it, then you will want to read this blog post. In it, Las Vegas, NV divorce attorney Jennifer Abrams discusses what to bring with you to your initial meeting with an attorney.
Bring Any Relevant Documents
Each divorce case is unique and there’s no such thing as a “one size fits all” divorce. So there are numerous reasons why all the related documents needed in a divorce case may not be immediately available. Do not be concerned by this. Experienced Las Vegas divorce attorneys know how to get the documents and records required. But if you can, bring financial documents such as bank statements, mortgage information, tax returns, etc. Much of this information is now available on-line which offers another access option. If you and your spouse signed a prenuptial agreement, postnuptial agreement or established a family trust, you should definitely try to bring those documents with you.
Jennifer V. Abrams says by bringing as much as you can to your initial meeting, you can help your divorce attorney develop a comprehensive strategy more quickly. In addition, it will also give you a chance to ask any questions related to your individual situation with the information right in front of you.
Come Prepared to Discuss Your Marital Assets and Debts
You should also be as prepared as possible to discuss your marital assets and debts, including when and how they were acquired. These assets and debts will be divided in the divorce proceedings. Any information you can provide to your divorce attorney at the onset is helpful to identifying potential community property vs. separate property claims. This will allow your attorney to develop the best possible strategy for dividing these assets and debts in your divorce.
If you wish to challenge the validity of your prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, bring documents relating to its execution including, emails, correspondence, and attorney billing statements showing the date you first received a copy of the draft agreement and any communications relating to its drafting and execution. These agreements can be ruled enforceable, or not, by a family court judge. This ruling can have a significant effect on how the assets and debts are divided.
Make a List of Questions for Your Attorney
When you meet with a divorce attorney for the first time, you will likely have many questions. Preparing a list ahead of time allows your divorce attorney to put your mind at ease with answers to the questions most important to you. It also allows you to get the information you need to make the best decisions in your divorce. In addition, it will also give you a chance to see how your divorce attorney handles your questions and their response style. Divorce attorney Jennifer Abrams says that the most important part of the question and answer process is for you and your attorney to understand each other’s goals and communication styles.
Information about Your Minor Children
If you have minor children, your divorce attorney will want information about them at your first meeting. You should also make sure your attorney is aware of any special circumstances regarding the care of your children.
Custody and Visitation Agreements
If you currently have a custody and/or visitation agreement in place, it is important to bring a copy of this agreement to your initial meeting. If you don’t have a written agreement but you and your spouse have been following a particular timeshare, please bring any evidence (text messages, emails, etc.) evidencing the timeshare. This is necessary to establish the terms of your arrangement. In addition, it allows your divorce attorney to address what issues might arise from the current agreement and provide you with valuable guidance.
Payment for Services
You will also need to bring payment for your attorney’s services. All high-demand divorce attorneys in Las Vegas require a retainer fee to begin work on your case. Most attorneys accept payment by check or credit card.
Final Thoughts
Jennifer Abrams says when meeting with an attorney to discuss a divorce, it is important to come as prepared as possible. This includes bringing relevant documents, being ready to discuss your marital assets and debts, and having a list of questions prepared for your attorney. Most importantly, you should pay attention to the dynamic between you and your attorney — whether you feel you can comfortably approach the attorney with your questions and concerns, whether you feel comfortable with the approach being recommended by the attorney, whether you feel the attorney is knowledgeable and communicates with you effectively, and whether you feel you can trust the attorney to represent you in one of the most challenging and important events in your life.
