FIND PROFESSIONALS
START DIVORCE
STATES
CATEGORIES
FORMS
DIVORCE LAWS
ARTICLES
FORUMS
BLOGS
Before the Initial Divorce Consultation

I handle a slew of client consultations where the person on the other side of the conference table from me is nervous, scared, and for the first time articulating out loud that they want a divorce. They have many questions to which there are no direct answers. My non-committal "it depends" does little to calm their fears. My personal approach to divorce practice is to cooperate when possibly to be prepared for total non-cooperation.

Here are some steps you can take before you reach this step to make the process smoother in preparing for separation and the first attorney meeting.

  • Make copies of all financial records. Bank statements, tax returns, paystubs, retirement/pension statements, credit card statements, insurance documents. It will save everyone much time and expense in having these documents up front.
  • Take a snapshot of your finances on the date of separation. Go online and print out your account balances on the day of separation. Also, run a credit report. It may be valuable to show what you had before you separate.
  • If you have children, do not unreasonably withhold visitation from your spouse. The parties ability to foster a parental relationship with the other parent is an important factor in determining permanent custody.
  • As hard as it may be, keep the lines of communication open and the discourse civil. Nothing increases attorney's fees quite like bickering for bickering's sake. The more you can agree on your own the lower your attorney's bill.
  • This may seem self-serving, but you are going to have to trust me on this one: get ye to an attorney ASAP. Initial consultations are not prohibitively expensive and almost every situation is different. This is not the time to rely on google or anecdotal stories to give you advice.

Start Virginia Divorce Start Your Virginia Online Divorce Today
Easy, Fast and Affordable with a 100% Guarantee.
Virginia Divorce Find Virginia Divorce Professionals in Your Area:
Join the Network
Virginia Divorce Products, Services and Solutions Virginia Divorce Products, Services and Solutions
Virginia Divorce Resources to Help You Through the Process.
Online Parenting Class Virginia Mandatory Online Parenting Class
Easy and convenient - complete at your own pace online.
Divorce and Custody Books Discount Divorce Bookstore
Over 100 Titles of the Best Books on Divorce & Custody.
Divorce Downloads Divorce Download Center
Instantly Download, Books, Manuals, & Forms.
Divorce Worksheet Free Virginia Divorce Worksheet & Separation Agreement
Your Guide to Get Organized and Put Everything in Writing.
   
Spouses in Virginia who are contesting child custody, visitation, or support must attend a parenting class. The court may also order attendance in uncontested cases.

 Divorce Lawyers & Mediators
 

Find Professionals

Easily Connect With a Lawyer or Mediator
Have Divorce Professionals from Your Area Contact You!
Enter Your Zip Code:

 

Start Your Divorce File for a Virginia Divorce

 

Settle Your Divorce Negotiate Your Virginia Divorce

 

Support Forum Virginia Support Forum

FEATURED TOOL - How to Stop Your Divorce (Even When You Think its Too Late)

Start Your Divorce Today
(Explore your options)
Guarantee Official PayPal Seal Facebook Twitter Versign Secure Site
Limited Offer Women's Rights Manual For Divorce
Cover Price: $55.95
Your Price: $29.95
You Save: $26.00

"The Absolute Best Investment in Your Divorce"

Men's Rights Manual For Divorce
Cover Price: $55.95
Your Price: $29.95
You Save: $26.00

"Uncover Your Options and Unleash Solutions"