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You may be thinking about the possibility of filing for a divorce, or perhaps your spouse has already filed for a divorce, and you have made an appointment to consult with a lawyer. Unless you have been through the divorce process previously, it is often hard to think about all the questions to ask in the initial consultation.
As a preliminary step, write down all of the topics you want to discuss with your attorney, including what your goals are for the outcome of the divorce. The sooner you clarify your goals, the easier it will be for your attorney to support you in helping you reach those goals. While your lawyer’s experience will be helpful in making sure nothing important is forgotten, here is a checklist of important items to cover in the initial consultation.
Procedural Process
Parenting time for Minor Children
Removal of Children From the State
Parenting Plan
Child Support
Deviation from Child Support Child Support Guidelines
Termination of Child Support
Travel Expenses to facilitate Parenting Time for Out of Town/State Parents
Life Insurance to Fund Unpaid Child Support
Automatic Withholding for Support
Payment of child support arrearages
Child Care Expenses
Child Care Credit
Health Insurance for Minor Children
Uninsured Medical Expenses for Minor Children
Payment of extracurricular activities for minor children
Private School Tuition for Children
College Expenses for Children
College Savings Accounts F/B/O Children
Health Insurance on the Parties
Real Property: Marital Residence
Real Property: Rentals, cabins, commercial property, etc.
Time Shares
Retirement Accounts
Federal or Military Pensions
Business Interests
Bank Accounts
Investments
Stock Options
Stock Purchase Plans
Life Insurance Policies
Frequent Flyer Miles
Credit Card Points
Season Tickets for Events
Premarital or Non-community Assets
Premarital or Non-community Debts
Pets
Personal Property Division: Including motor vehicles, recreational vehicles, campers, airplanes, collections, furniture, electronics, tools, household goods, etc.
Exchange Date for Personal Property
Division of Community Debt
Property Settlement
Spousal Support
Life Insurance to Fund Unpaid Spousal Support
Arrearage of Spousal Support from Temporary Order
Tax Exemptions for Minor Children
IRS Form 8332
Filing Status for Tax Returns for Last/Current Year
Former Name Restoration
Attorney Fees