How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with a Divorce Attorney
At Carbone Law Firm, we understand that meeting with a divorce attorney for the first time can feel overwhelming. Whether you are initiating the divorce or responding to one, this first meeting sets the foundation for your case. With over two decades of experience helping Massachusetts families navigate divorce, we want to make sure you feel confident, prepared, and informed from the start.
Here is our guide to getting ready for your first consultation — including a helpful checklist of documents to bring, key questions to ask, and answers to some frequently asked questions.
What to Expect at Your First Divorce Consultation
The initial meeting is primarily about gathering information — both ways. Your attorney will want to understand the facts of your situation, and you should also use this opportunity to assess whether the attorney is a good fit for your needs. At Carbone Law Firm, we focus on clear communication, realistic advice, and strategic planning tailored to your circumstances.
Checklist: What to Bring to Your First Meeting
You do not need to have every document perfectly organized — but bringing the following items can help make the meeting as productive as possible:
Personal and Financial Information:
Recent pay stubs (at a minimum the most previous 4 weeks, but as many as the last 2–3 months)
Last three years of tax returns (including W-2s, 1099s, and all schedules)
Bank account statements (checking, savings, investment accounts; much easier if you do on-line banking)
Retirement account statements (401(k), IRA, pension documents)
Mortgage statements and property tax bills
Credit card statements and a list of any debts
List of major assets (home, vehicles, business interests, etc.)
Insurance policies (life, health, auto, home)
Loan Applications (and loans applied for in the last 3 years).
Legal Documents:
Marriage certificate
Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements (if any)
Any existing court documents (restraining orders, previous court filings)
Child Support or Alimony Payments - if you have had a prior relationship end wherein you are paying that third party child support and/or alimony, it's helpful for you to bring in that paperwork.
Family Information:
Full names and birthdates of your children
Date of marriage; date of separation (if applicable): This is extremely important because length of the marriage is a factor that judges use to decide various issues, such as property division and alimony.
Current parenting schedule (if already separated)
School and medical information for minor children
Tip: If you do not have access to all of this information yet, bring what you can. Your attorney can help you develop a strategy for obtaining any missing documents.
Questions You Should Ask Your Divorce Attorney
Your first meeting should be a two-way street. Here are important questions you should feel comfortable asking:
What is your experience with cases like mine?
(At Carbone Law Firm, we have handled hundreds of Massachusetts divorce cases, from simple uncontested divorces to high-conflict custody battles.)What are the likely outcomes in my case? This is different from “Will I win?” Here, you are asking the attorney about the various decisions that could result from this case- either because you settle quickly to take the case through trial. The attorney should be able to describe to you various outcomes based on his perception of your case when superimposed on the cases he has already worked on.
How does Massachusetts law handle division of property, alimony, and child custody? This is an extremely broad question but judges have very wide discretion in deciding property division and child custody, and slightly less discretion when it comes to alimony, which is controlled more by statute. Therefore, this question should be narrowed based on the following information: Property division is left largely to the judge who must answer a litany of questions, which include: How long were the parties married? What was their contribution to the household? What was their behavior like during the marriage? What ability does each party have in acquiring assets in the future?
For child custody, the court must decide what is in that child’s best interests? By no means an exhaustive list, some of the questions the court would ask are: Which parent does the child go to for their problems? Which parent brings the child to activities? To the doctor? To or from school? Which parent has a more stable lifestyle? Which parent has the ability to prioritize the child’s needs?
For alimony, the most fundamental questions the court will ask are: does one party need alimony and can the other party afford it? If the answer to those questions are both “yes,” the court moves on to the duration of the marriage (the longer the marriage, generally, the longer alimony will last) and the amount of money each party makes (to calculate alimony).
What strategy would you recommend based on my situation?
How do you typically communicate with clients (phone, email, in person)?
What are your rates and billing practices?
What should I be doing right now to protect myself and my children?
How to Prepare Yourself Mentally and Emotionally
Divorce is not just a legal process; it is an emotional one. Before your meeting, take some time to:
Write down your goals. What matters most to you — custody, financial security, preserving assets? This helps in many ways, but the most important is that by being able to clearly state your goals, your attorney will be able to assess how realistic they are.
Be honest. Full transparency with your attorney is critical; we are here to advocate for you, not judge you. If you did something that contributed to the divorce (alcohol use, affair or critical behavior) it is much better that your attorney knows from the outset than discover it as the case wears on.
Stay open-minded. The process may present options or outcomes you had not considered. Sometimes, we give clients insight and even advice that the client does not want to hear. However, clients should be made of all their options, and not just the ones they like at the start.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What if I do not have all my financial documents yet?
A: That is okay — bring what you have. Part of our role is to help you identify and gather the necessary documents.
Q: Can I bring a support person to my first meeting?
A: Yes, you may bring a trusted friend or family member for emotional support. However, keep in mind that confidentiality could be affected, and we may ask them to step out for portions of the consultation.
Q: How long will the first meeting last?
A: Typically, initial consultations last about one hour, but the exact time may vary depending on the complexity of your case.
Q: Will the first meeting be confidential?
A: Absolutely. Everything you share with us is protected by attorney-client privilege, even if you decide not to hire us.
Q: What if my spouse and I are still living together?
A: Many couples continue living under the same roof during the divorce process. We can advise you on how to navigate this situation safely and strategically.
Q: How much will my divorce cost?
A: It depends on the complexity of your case. After our first meeting, we can provide a better estimate based on your specific circumstances.
Final Thoughts
At Carbone Law Firm, our goal is to make your first step toward a new chapter as clear and supported as possible. Preparation not only helps your attorney advocate for you more effectively but also empowers you throughout the process.
📞 Have more questions? Schedule Your Confidential Consultation Today
Let Carbone Law Firm’s twenty-four years of family law experience help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
Call today (781)569-5191
Serving clients throughout Massachusetts because, Nobody Should Get Divorced Alone.