September 19, 2019

4 Things To Bring With You When You Meet With a Divorce Lawyer

Are you preparing for divorce? Here are four things to bring to your family law attorney when you're ready to discuss divorce.

Visiting a family law attorney to discuss divorce may be intimidating. However, you are not alone; more than 20% of first marriages end in divorce within five years.

No-fault divorces are available in every state in the U.S., although the process varies in each one. In the past, divorces could only be granted if both parties agreed to the divorce or one spouse alleged the other spouse had done something to destroy the marriage. While fault divorces still exist, most divorces are no-fault. This means that one spouse can ask for a divorce without alleging any "fault." In other words, no-fault divorces are granted simply because one spouse does not want to be married to the other spouse anymore.

While no-fault divorces can be just as contentious (or more contentious) as fault divorces, no-fault divorces typically focus on a few common issues. Here are four things to bring to your family law attorney when you're ready to discuss divorce:

Your Story

Divorce lawyer services include filing pleadings and arguing on your behalf in court. However, one of the primary roles of a family law attorney is to listen to your story and provide you with advice and counsel.

Telling your divorce lawyer your entire story will help you unburden yourself, provide your lawyer with the background facts needed for your case, and allow your lawyer to spot any issues that may help or hurt your argument. Moreover, a family law attorney may have ideas and suggestions for you based on your unique circumstances. After all, a lawyer can only advise you if they know what you are going through. Rest assured that laws pertaining to client confidentiality mean that everything will remain between you and your lawyer.

Parenting Plan

Once you have told your story, you and your divorce lawyer will begin formulating your legal position. In a no-fault divorce, this usually comes down to three major issues: child custody and support; spousal support; and the division of assets and liabilities.

If you and your spouse have agreed on a plan for raising your children, you may be able to avoid much of the stress that comes with divorce. If you have not reached an agreement, you will need to work with your lawyer to decide where you stand on many issues including:

Physical custody
Legal custody and other decision-making responsibilities for the child
Division of expenses
Child support, including medical support (insurance coverage for dental, vision, and medical expenses)

Income Records

Records of both spouses' incomes are the usual starting point to figure out the financial side of a divorce. Often, tax records are the best source for this information since, presumably, your tax filings contained a full disclosure of all income.

When collecting records, include all sources of income:

Wages, salaries, and bonuses
Proceeds from the sale of property and stock trades
Dividends
Interest
Rental income
Ownership distributions for business owners
Gambling winnings

This does not mean that all of these sources of income will make it into your divorce pleadings. But a lawyer cannot advise you on what you can reasonably expect unless he or she knows what income exists.

Asset and Liability Records

Just as important as income are the assets you have. If you have a will or living trust, you may already have a list of assets you and your spouse own. Similarly, many couples keep a list of assets for insurance purposes. Either of these can be helpful to a family law attorney preparing your divorce.

In the absence of such documentation, you could create a list and collect records of assets. Remember to include everything of value, including:

Bank accounts
Houses and other real estate
Retirement accounts
Investment accounts
Personal property, such as motor vehicles, RVs, boats, jewelry, precious metals, and collectibles

As with income sources, not all these assets may make it into your divorce papers. However, the more a divorce lawyer knows about the marital assets, the better prepared he or she will be for your case.

In addition to assets, a divorce lawyer will be aided by any records of liabilities you and your spouse may have. These include such things as:

Debt, including credit card debt, medical debt, and other unpaid debts
Mortgages, home equity loans, auto loans, and other loans
Court judgments

By being prepared to discuss your case with your divorce lawyer, you can help your lawyer help you. When you're ready to take the next step, rely on the Law Offices of Arthur J. White III, PLLC.

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Preparing for Mediation: What to Expect and How to Succeed

By Analytics Import • May 29, 2025

Mediation offers an alternative to traditional litigation, providing parties with a chance for resolution without the need for a courtroom battle. Understanding what to expect during mediation and preparing adequately is crucial for anyone seeking a successful outcome. This process involves a neutral third party who assists in negotiating a mutually agreeable solution between the parties involved. Whether you are working independently or through a divorce lawyer, getting ready for mediation requires a strategic approach and a clear understanding of your own goals and those of the opposing party. Understanding the Mediation Process with a Divorce Lawyer The mediation process often begins with each party providing an opening statement, outlining their position and goals. It is essential to prepare these statements ahead of time, focusing on facts and desired outcomes rather than emotions or confrontational language. A well-prepared statement can set the tone for a productive session and open the door for constructive dialogue. A divorce lawyer can assist in crafting a statement that is clear, persuasive, and aligned with your best interests. Remember that the goal of mediation is not to "win" but to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement that addresses the concerns of both parties. Exploring Possible Solutions During Mediation Throughout the mediation, the mediator plays a pivotal role in guiding discussions, identifying potential solutions, and helping manage emotions. According to the American Bar Association (ABA), a good mediator typically has a success rate of at least 75% in pretrial disputes. This impressive statistic underscores the importance of choosing a qualified mediator who can facilitate effective negotiations. Working with a divorce lawyer during this stage ensures your rights and priorities are properly represented, helping you navigate complex issues like parenting arrangements or property division with clarity. Why Flexibility Matters in Mediation Another key element to successful mediation is flexibility. Being open to alternative solutions and remaining adaptable to new ideas can lead to more efficient problem-solving. It's vital to enter mediation with a clear understanding of your bottom line, but also a willingness to make reasonable concessions. A skilled divorce lawyer can help you define those boundaries and adjust your approach as discussions unfold. Flexibility can often mean the difference between resolution and an impasse, paving a path toward a settlement that meets the needs of all parties involved. Preparing for Mediation with Expert Legal Guidance Preparing for mediation requires a combination of strategic planning, effective communication, and an open mind. By focusing on facts, seeking a skilled mediator, and remaining adaptable, you increase your chances of a favorable outcome. Mediation presents an opportunity to resolve disputes amicably, efficiently, and often with a high success rate, benefiting all parties by avoiding the stress and expense of litigation. Ready to approach mediation with confidence? Contact the Law Office of Arthur J. White III, P.C. for experienced legal guidance that helps you prepare, communicate effectively, and achieve the best possible resolution.