Preparing for Your Family Law Consultation: Key Documents and Information to Bring
Navigating family law matters can feel overwhelming, but being prepared for your consultation can ease the stress and help you make the most of your time with your attorney. At Thompson, Crawford, Brown & Smiley, we understand how emotional and uncertain these situations can be, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
To help you feel more confident and organized, we’ve created this comprehensive checklist of key documents and information to bring to your first meeting.
- Personal Information
Start with the basics:
- Your full name, address, and contact information
- Spouse or partner’s name, address, and contact information
- Dates of marriage, separation, or other relevant milestones
If children are involved, include:
- Names, birthdates, full addresses to where the child/children have lived for the past five (5) years, and any details regarding custody arrangements or shared parenting responsibilities
- A copy of your driver’s license/state identification card
- Financial Documents
Family law matters often involve financial discussions, so having these documents ready can save time:
- Recent pay stubs or proof of income
- Tax returns (past 2–3 years)
- Bank statements
- Retirement accounts and pension information
- Credit card statements and outstanding debts
- Any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
- Property and Assets
A clear picture of marital and personal property is essential. Bring:
- Deeds or mortgage statements for any property
- Vehicle titles
- Inventory of valuable personal items
- Documentation for investments, stocks, or bonds
- Case-Specific Documentation
Depending on your situation, the following may be helpful:
- Previous court orders or judgments related to your case (e.g., divorce decrees, custody agreements)
- Evidence of significant events (texts, emails, photos, or notes)
- Medical or educational records for your children, if applicable
- Your Questions and Concerns
It’s normal to have a lot on your mind, so we recommend writing down your questions or concerns ahead of time. This ensures you don’t forget to ask about something important during the consultation.
Why Preparation Matters
By gathering these materials in advance, you can help your attorney quickly assess your situation and focus on crafting a tailored strategy for your case. This preparation allows for a more productive conversation and saves time later in the process.
Our Commitment to You
At Thompson, Crawford, Brown & Smiley, we pride ourselves on offering compassionate, confident, and effective representation. Bringing these key items to your consultation not only helps us better understand your unique circumstances but also ensures we can begin advocating for you right away.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to schedule your family law consultation or have questions about this checklist, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to make the process as stress-free as possible while protecting your best interests every step of the way.