What to bring to your first appointment

Every divorce is different. You can help save your attorney time (and yourself some money), by bringing important legal and financial documents to your consultation with your attorney. Doing this gives the attorney a useful overview of the property, assets and debts likely to be at issue in your case. Most importantly, it allows the two of you to work together to secure your short and long-term interests. These documents include:

Income:

• Individual income tax returns for past three years (federal, state, and local)
• Business income tax returns for past three years (federal, state, and local)
• Proof of all sources of current income for you and your spouse

Assets:

• Certificates of deposit
• Pension statements
• Retirement account statements
• Trusts
• Stock portfolios
• Stock options

Debts:

• Itemized list of debts in your name and your spouse’s name
• Bank statements
• Mortgage statement
• Property tax statements
• Loan documents
• Utility bills
• Other bills (such as school tuition, unreimbursed medical bills, music lessons for children, etc.)

Other Important Documents:

• Prenuptial agreement
• Separation agreement
• Monthly budget worksheet
• Employment contracts
• Life insurance policies
• Health insurance policies
• Personal property appraisals
• Real property appraisals
• List of personal property, including home furnishings, jewelry, artwork, computers, home office equipment, collectibles, clothing and furs, etc.
• List of property owned by each spouse prior to marriage
• List of property acquired by each spouse individually by gift or inheritance during the marriage
• List of contents of safe deposit boxes
• Powers of Attorney