St. Louis Divorce Child Custody Consultation Lawyers

How to Prepare for Your Divorce or Child Custody Consultation~ 2 min read

ByJennifer Piper Hours Categories Child Custody, Divorce

Our attorneys are often asked how to prepare for your divorce or child custody consult. While you are not required to bring anything to your consult, it can be helpful and move the process along faster. If you are not able to obtain this information, do not worry, we will still be able to proceed, and our attorneys are experienced in how to obtain the information during your case.

Helpful information to gather can include any of the following:

  • Compile full legal names, addresses, dates of birth, and social security numbers for you, your spouse and your children
  • Compile important dates, your date of marriage, date of separation, or any other important dates that relate to your marriage
  • Start a list of known assets and debts for you and your spouse
  • Start reviewing and compiling all of your bills (monthly, quarterly, annually, or other)
  • Make notes of any questions you may have
  • Make notes of any separate property you may have and bring any documentation of the same
  • Be prepared to briefly discuss the events that led to your divorce

What to Bring to Your Divorce Consultation

  • Pay stubs
  • Tax returns
  • Bank statements
  • Investment and retirement statements
  • Debt Statements
  • List of assets and debts
  • Deed to house
  • Title for all vehicles owned
  • Proof of any separate property you may have
  • Prenuptial agreements, if any
  • Personal identification documents: birth certificates, driver’s license numbers, Social Security numbers
  • Other relevant information

Ask an Attorney about How to Prepare for a Divorce or Child Custody Consultation

If you still have questions about what to bring with you, you should reach out to our firm. We can explain how to best prepare your case to move forward and advise you on which pieces of information would promote your chances of reaching a favorable outcome. Regardless of your circumstances, you should contact an experienced family ally from our team to learn how to prepare for a divorce or child custody consultation.

Jennifer Piper

Jennifer R. Piper is a family law attorney, mediator, and parenting coordinator with more than 20 years of experience serving families in the St. Louis area. She is certified as a Guardian ad Litem and frequently appointed by courts to represent children in high-conflict cases. Jennifer is a former Chair of the Family and Juvenile Law Section of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and an active leader in local and state bar organizations.
Her professional recognition includes being named to The Best Lawyers in America® (2017–2025), Missouri Super Lawyers (2021–2024), and receiving a Women’s Justice Award from Missouri Lawyers Weekly. Jennifer also holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. She regularly speaks on family law topics and has helped shape family court procedures through her service on multiple committees.

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