| Divorce is never easy. When you select | | | | property owned by both. |
| an attorney to represent you, he or she | | | | - A list of non-marital assets, |
| understands that. Your attorney and | | | | including real estate, bank accounts, |
| legal staff will guide you through the | | | | personal property (this is property |
| process. This is a list of the | | | | owned individually by you or your |
| information your attorney's office will | | | | spouse). |
| need in order to protect your interests | | | | - A list of liabilities, or debts, for |
| and prepare the necessary forms. | | | | both spouses. This includes loans, |
| - Your full legal names, including | | | | mortgages, and credit card balances. |
| maiden name of the wife. | | | | **Note: Regarding real estate, you will |
| - Your current address, and previous | | | | be asked to provide information |
| addresses. Be prepared to at least | | | | regarding the deed. If you have a copy |
| furnish your most recent previous | | | | of your deed, take it with you to the |
| address. | | | | consultation. |
| - Telephone numbers, fax numbers, e-mail | | | | You will be asked other pertinent |
| address in order to reach you. | | | | information, such as any agreements you |
| - Current contact information for your | | | | and your spouse have already reached |
| spouse. | | | | regarding marital property, who will |
| - Social security numbers, dates and | | | | have primary residential custody of any |
| places of birth for you and your spouse. | | | | children and what the proposed |
| - Place of your employment, how long | | | | visitation arrangement may be. If you |
| employed there, salary. | | | | fear some areas are not in agreement, be |
| - Employment information for you and | | | | prepared to tell your attorney what they |
| your spouse. | | | | are and how you wish them to be handled. |
| - Provide any military service | | | | The requested information is |
| information for either spouse. | | | | confidential, and your attorney and |
| - Date and place of your marriage. | | | | staff are working for you. Most |
| - How many prior marriages for both you | | | | attorneys will have a questionnaire form |
| and your spouse. | | | | you will be asked to fill out, either |
| - Regarding children born of current | | | | prior to the initial meeting or when you |
| marriage, their names, ages, dates of | | | | arrive. The form will include the items |
| birth, and where they presently reside. | | | | I listed in this article. Make your own |
| - List any retirement plans, pensions, | | | | list of any questions you want to |
| IRA accounts, CDs for either spouse. | | | | discuss with your attorney and take it |
| - Personal health insurance information | | | | with you - you are understandably |
| and note which spouse is carrying it. | | | | stressed and there's a lot to cover. |
| - List all other life, mortgage and | | | | Your own list will ensure you remember |
| personal property insurance coverages. | | | | to ask any particularly important |
| - A list of marital assets, including | | | | questions. |
| real estate, bank accounts, personal | | | | |