Your First Visit to a Divorce Attorney

Palm Beach County Divorce Attorney

You might be considering filing for divorce or just want to know what your rights are should you be involved in a divorce case. If you are like most people you have never sought assistance from an attorney before. You may wonder what will happen and have many questions such as what are my rights and what should I bring to the first appointment. Palm Beach County divorce attorney, Jessica Mishali has been serving the needs of clients in Palm Beach County for over 40 years and represents his clients with commitment and compassion

Your First Visit

At your first appointment, one of your goals will be to determine if this individual understands your needs and can carry them out in a professional, efficient and cost effective manner. Mr. Press, will listen carefully to the background of your marital situation and will ask you for certain information which will allow him to determine the issues in your case and advise you of your rights.

It is always very important that you are completely honest with your attorney. Your attorney will depend upon you to be an important partner should he represent you in a divorce case. Before you come in for your first appointment, it is helpful for you to write down the important events leading up to your decision to consult with a divorce attorney. It is important to realize that everything you tell the attorney is confidential. The attorney, in order to obtain important information relevant to your case, may ask you pointed and sometimes emotionally charged questions. The attorney must know all the facts in order to protect your rights and obtain the best outcome in your case.

Although not necessary at the first visit there is a lot of information and documents that must be gathered. If you are able to make some of these documents available at the initial appointment will go a long way to paving the way to be smoother path to your case.

Document List

1. Marital history
   • Prior marriage dates
   • Current marriage dates
   • Marriage license (optional)
2. Copies of any prenuptial agreements.
3. Any history of legal proceedings parties.
4. Employment history
   • Past employers
   • Current employer
   • Spouses past and current employer
   • Beginning and ending salaries for employment.
5. Drivers license and Social Security numbers for spouses and children.
6. Financial records.
   • Tax returns for past three years
   • Last three pay stubs
   • Bank account numbers (savings and checking)
   • Brokerage account numbers (stocks, bonds)
   • Pension and 401(k) account statements
   • Real estate (closing documents, mortgage statements, utility bills)
   • Debts
     • Credit card and loan statements.
7. Children (names and ages)
   • Street address where the children have lived for the past five years.

If you cannot obtain the financial records for the first visit, you will have time to obtain the records for a subsequent appointment. The financial records listed above are utilized in mandatory financial disclosure which is required by the court. Much of the information listed above will be utilized in the preparation of your family law financial affidavit. Mr. Press’s office will go over in mandatory financial disclosure with you in detail and will give you step-by-step assistance in the preparation of your financial affidavit.

Call For Assistance.

The law offices of Palm Beach County divorce attorney Jessica Mishali takes pride in its professionalism and is passionate about defending the rights of its clients. If you are ready to start divorce proceedings or would just like a consultation please call our office at (561) 833-2772 or contact us online.