What Documents Should You Bring to The Initial Consultation for Contested Divorce?



Hi, I’m Amber James.  I’m the founder of new beginnings family law, and i am honored you have chosen our firm to assist you with your contested divorce.  our team is looking forward to holding your hand every step of the way through this incredibly difficult process and to helping you take the next step toward your new beginning.  you are scheduled to come in and meet with one of our experienced attorneys to develop a strategy for moving forward. in order to make the best use of our time together, please remember to bring the following documents with you to our meeting if they apply to you:

1. Your intake form if you have not been able to complete it and return it ahead of time.
2. If you have already been served, please bring a copy of all the documents you were given.
3. Any pre or post nuptial agreements that you and your spouse have signed
4. Copies of your marriage license and your children’s birth certificates
5. Copies of any deeds for property you own
6. Titles to any vehicles you own
7. Tax returns for the last three years
8. Your most recent paystub
9. Credit card statements for the last six months
10. Bank statements for the last six months
11. Your most recent statement for any retirement or investment accounts
12. Investment account statements
13. If you or your spouse own a business, please bring any documents you may be able to locate for at least the last year regarding the business, particularly any financial statements that may have been provided to the bank as well as tax returns for the business
14. Cell phone records for your spouse’s account
15. Any photos, social media posts, text messages, or other items that show your spouse in a compromising situation
16. Happy family photos, which are photos of you and your children engaging in school or extra-curricular activities, vacations, or just every day activities that show your relationship with the children, and
17. Any other information you think may be helpful for your attorney to have.

I know that seems like a lot, but I promise, if you have access to these documents and provide them to us ahead of time, your attorney will be able to provide you with a more detailed assessment of your case.  If you don’t have access to these documents, don’t panic, our team will work with you to help you.