What to Bring to Your First Divorce Consultation

Starting the divorce process can feel overwhelming, and meeting with a lawyer for the first time is often filled with uncertainty. At Sachs Family Law, PC, we understand how emotional this step can be, which is why we aim to make your first consultation as informative and reassuring as possible. One of the best ways to get the most out of your appointment is to come prepared. While you don’t need to have every detail or document in place, bringing certain information helps us better understand your situation and provide meaningful guidance from the start.

Basic Personal Information

At your consultation, we’ll begin by gathering a few key personal details. Be ready to share your full name and contact information, your spouse’s name, the date and place of your marriage, and the names and birthdates of any minor children. This allows us to get a clear overview of your family structure and start identifying which areas of Georgia law will apply to your case.

Legal Documents You May Already Have

If divorce papers have already been filed or served, it’s important to bring copies of any court filings with you. This includes a petition for divorce, temporary orders, or any motions submitted to the court. Additionally, bring any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements and any current restraining or protective orders, if they exist. These documents help us understand what stage your case is in and how to best respond or move forward.

Financial Overview

A clear understanding of your financial situation is essential, especially since Georgia follows equitable distribution when dividing marital property. If available, bring recent pay stubs or income records for both spouses, along with tax returns from the past few years. Information about bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments, and outstanding debts is also useful. If you own property, such as a home or vehicle, bring mortgage or loan documents and insurance policy information if possible.

Even if you don’t have access to all of these records yet, an outline of your income, assets, and major monthly expenses will help us begin to evaluate key issues like spousal support, property division, and child support.

Information About Property and Assets

If you and your spouse own property together or individually, bring a general list of assets to your consultation. This includes real estate, vehicles, businesses, valuable personal property, and anything else that may need to be addressed during the divorce. If certain items were inherited or received as gifts, be prepared to mention that as well, as it may affect how they’re classified under Georgia law.

Custody and Parenting Details

For parents, one of the most important aspects of divorce is how it will affect the children. If you have minor children, think about your current parenting arrangement. Who handles daily routines, school drop-offs, or doctor appointments? Are there any co-parenting challenges or special concerns about your child’s needs?

We’ll also want to discuss childcare costs, school choices, extracurricular activities, and health insurance coverage. Georgia requires divorcing parents to submit a parenting plan, so we begin those conversations early to help shape the foundation for a custody arrangement that puts your child’s well-being first.

Your Questions and Priorities

You don’t need to know exactly what you want from the divorce, but it helps to come with a few priorities or goals in mind. Maybe staying in the home is important to you, or maybe your primary concern is ensuring stability for your children. You may also have specific questions about mediation, court timelines, or financial arrangements. We welcome these discussions and will walk through each one with you so you leave the consultation with a better understanding of your options.

You Don’t Have to Have It All Together — Just Start

The goal of your first consultation isn’t to have everything perfectly organized. It’s to begin the process with clarity, support, and a legal team that listens. At Sachs Family Law, PC, we’re here to help you take that first step with confidence. Bring what you can, share your story, and let us guide you forward with experienced, compassionate representation.

If you’re considering divorce or already facing the process, contact Sachs Family Law, PC today to schedule your consultation. We’re here to help you protect what matters most and plan for what comes next.