Family Law

What you need to bring to your first meeting

If you are able, please bring the following documents to your first meeting. We can make copies of these documents at the meeting and will not charge you for the copies. If you do not have access to these documents, do not worry. You can bring them to us at a later date.

• Last three years' tax returns, W2's, 1099's, and evidence of income of you and/or your spouse.
• Copies of real estate warranty deeds or quitclaim deeds to the property you own.
• Copies of security deeds, promissory notes, and settlement statements concerning real estate purchased or sold by you and/or your spouse during the marriage.
• Car titles, registrations, and notes for car loan(s).
• Copies of any stock certificates, bonds.
• Copies of recent statements for IRA, 401-K or other retirement/pension plans.
• List of any equipment you want that is worth more than $500.00 in value.
• Copies of any notes you have signed to any banks, individuals, savings and loans, credit companies, or other lending institutions.
• Copies of any and all credit card statements for the past 12 months.
• Copies of any other personal debts or notes signed to anyone, including family members.
• Copies of any financial statements prepared by you and/or your spouse in the past 3 years.
• Photos/tapes/albums/correspondence that substantiates any claim you may want to assert. (i.e. adultery or family violence)
• A current budget of your living expenses and a list of your specific assets/debts (Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit). (Click here)
• A copy of recent bank statements, showing the current balance in every checking and savings account.
• Photographs of family, children, furniture, your home, or valuable collections to the extent that you feel these photos will help you "tell your story".

In addition to bringing the above list of documents, it is often helpful to prepare a list of questions you want to ask your attorney to make the meeting as productive as possible. Additionally, you should make a list of what assets and/or debts you contend are your or your spouse's separate property because it is an inheritance, a gift, or was owned prior to the marriage. We will need to determine whether the separate property has been commingled during the marriage, whether it has it appreciated in value during the marriage, and to whom or what should the appreciation be attributed.

If custody and parenting issues are in dispute, write down your goals are and any special concerns you may have before the meeting, if possible. Please be prepared to pay for the initial consultation at the time service is rendered, which will be at our current hourly rate.

Georgia Attorneys providing legal services in the areas of Business Transactions, Business Litigation, and Family Law, from divorce to child support, in the Atlanta metro area including, but not limited to Alpharetta, Buford, Canton, Cumming, Decatur, Roswell, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, Norcross, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Duluth, Dunwoody, Woodstock, Milton, and Johns Creek.