If you are planning to get a divorce in rural Oklahoma, you may be experiencing some anxiety over your upcoming first meeting with your potential attorney. Divorce can be a very stressful event. Knowing what to expect from your initial consultation can help alleviate some of this stress and help you get the most out of this meeting.
Why are you getting divorced?
Be ready to discuss the circumstances of your divorce. This can include the reason you have chosen divorce. Your potential divorce attorney will want to know when you and your spouse were married and how many children resulted from the marriage. The attorney may also collect your contact information at this time.
What shared assets and liabilities do you have?
Your prospective lawyer will inquire about your marital property or anything you bought together during the marriage. This can include your assets such as homes, real estate, vehicles, and stocks or bonds. Additionally, they will need to know about any joint liabilities including credit cards, mortgages, and loans. This information can give the lawyer an idea of how to proceed with your divorce.
What joint and personal accounts do you have?
Diving deeper into your joint assets and liabilities with your spouse, the lawyer will ask if you have retirement accounts and joint or personal bank accounts. Knowing the approximate balances of these accounts is convenient.
What is your plan for the children?
The attorney will want to know if you plan on sharing custody with your spouse and if you have a co-parenting plan in place. If you plan to pursue sole custody, do you have good reason or evidence to back up your request?
Potential issues or pitfalls
After gathering your information, the lawyer will discuss potential issues that may be foreseeable. These can include contested child support, alimony, visitation schedules, and the division of assets. The lawyer may also discuss whether expert testimony will be required.