What to Expect in Your Initial Consultation with a Pennsylvania Divorce Attorney

By Sheryl Rentz on January 19, 2011

When the difficult decision is reached to divorce your spouse, you may not know what to do next. At this time, it is crucial to find a Pennsylvania divorce attorney to help ensure that your legal rights are fully protected once the divorce process begins. Because divorce can be one of the most painful and complicated chapters of a person’s life, it is important to have an experienced lawyer fighting on your behalf.

When you contact a law office to schedule your initial meeting, make sure you will be meeting with the attorney themselves, not an assistant. A skilled attorney will be able to answer any questions you have about the divorce process in Pennsylvania, and you will be able to discover if they are the right attorney for you during the meeting.

There are a few items you should plan to bring that will help the meeting run smoother and be more productive. Bring your tax returns, a list of your assets and any liabilities, bank and credit card statements, a mortgage statement, if applicable, and any investment statements.

Topics that are typically covered during initial consultations include whether mediation is an option, if a PA pre-marital agreement was signed, property division, and more. If children are involved, the attorney can advise you on other aspects of Pennsylvania divorce, including child custody and child support. They can also inform you of financial and tax issues pertaining to divorce, and can determine whether alimony or spousal support should be paid.

When meeting with a divorce attorney for the first time, remember to keep in mind that it is important for you to feel comfortable with them. This is crucial since you will need to develop an emotional rapport with the lawyer, as well as disclose personal information to them. You should be completely honest with the attorney when sharing the history of your marriage and its dissolution. You do not need to worry as your truthfulness is protected by attorney-client privilege, and will only serve to strengthen your case. You should not be afraid to ask the lawyer any questions you have, including what their experience level is with divorce cases in Pennsylvania.

It is important you find the right attorney for you. At The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, our Pennsylvania divorce attorneys have many years of experience handling divorce cases in the state. We can help you during this difficult time in your life. Call 610-645-0100 to learn more.