St. Louis Divorce Child Custody Consultation Lawyers

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

|

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.

Similar Posts

How to Change Your Name after Divorce

Divorce

Many women are awarded their maiden or former name as part of a divorce decree, but how do they actually change it back? It isn’t as easy as you may think. Obtaining a Judgment from the Court is only the first step to changing your name after divorce. First, obtain a new Social Security card by presenting the Certified Judgment in-person to your local Social Security Administration office. They will send your new card in the mail.  Second, get a new driver’s license. You will need your new Social Security card, your Judgment, and anything the Department of Revenue may require for obtaining a new ID. They typically mail your new license to you. In Missouri, additional information may be necessary to obtain a new ID….

How Does a Stay at Home Order, Coronavirus, or COVID-19 Affect the Exchange of Children between Parents?

How Does a Stay at Home Order, Coronavirus, or COVID-19 Affect the Exchange of Children between Parents?

Child Custody

The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts issued a joint statement with the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers titled, “7 Guidelines for Parents Who Are Divorced/Separated and Sharing Custody of Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Every parent faced with exchanging custody of their children during this time, will benefit from this advice. Stay at Home Orders are going into place, requiring people to stay at home for the next 30 days, except for essential activities. St. Louis City and County Stay at Home Orders both specifically provide an exception to allow for custody exchanges – which means you may leave your home to exchange custody of your child. Since your custody schedule and parenting plan are court orders, you must follow them. These are extraordinary…

Alternative Communications with Children during Covid-19

Alternative Communications with Children during Covid-19

Child Custody

The current pandemic has made it difficult for some parents to spend time with their children. While the Courts have made it clear that they expect existing custody orders to be followed during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and Stay at Home Orders, issues may still arise that make it difficult for parents to exchange children during this time. For example, one parent may have been exposed and be required to self-quarantine while the children were with the other parent, and the children may not be able to immediately come over; children may be required to quarantine with a particular parent if they were exposed while with that parent; or the parties may simply be unable to travel at this time. This could result in one…

Why is Collaborative Law a Better Choice for Your Family Going through a Divorce?

Why is Collaborative Law a Better Choice for Your Family Going through a Divorce?

Divorce

When you and your spouse choose the Collaborative law process to resolve your divorce, the focus is on the best interest of your family as a whole. When proceeding with the traditional route of litigation, the focus is on the best interest of the individual. At the end of the litigation process, neither client is completely happy nor satisfied, resulting in a lot of hard feelings. Clients are often angrier at the end of the litigation process than they were at the beginning. Trust that is already broken, is even further destroyed. Through the Collaborative Law process, clients can work to restore broken trust with the Collaborative Law team to assist you. There are both financial and therapeutic trained professionals who will help your family…

How to Cope with Divorce: 8 Simple but Effective Strategies to Move On

Divorce

Divorce can be an intensely difficult experience. It is often accompanied by sadness, guilt, and anger. It is a painful transition that can leave many feeling hopeless and helpless. However, many effective strategies can help you cope with divorce and move forward with your life. Here are 8 simple but effective strategies to help you cope with divorce and move on. The first and perhaps most important divorce tip is to take care of yourself. Make sure you are eating well, exercising regularly, getting enough rest, and engaging in self-care activities that bring you joy. Taking good care of your physical and mental health will help you to cope with the stress and hardship of divorce. Another divorce tip is to reach out to your…

Get Ready for the Divorce: Practical Steps to Prepare Yourself Legally and Emotionally

Divorce

Divorce is never easy, but there are steps you can take to make the process go more smoothly. Knowing the legal processes involved and preparing yourself emotionally will help you to prepare for the divorce and move forward with your life. It’s important to take the time to educate yourself about the legal issues, such as division of assets, custody arrangements, and spousal support. Additionally, it’s essential to develop emotional coping strategies to help you get through the emotional turmoil of divorce. Whether you are facing an uncontested or contested divorce, these steps will help you prepare for the divorce and move forward. Understand the legal process of divorce Legal separation and divorce are both valid legal proceedings for ending a marriage. Legal separation is…