It might not come as a surprise that the more organized you are, the easier it will be to get ready for divorce in New Jersey. That’s largely because you’ll be able to plan ahead more effectively and to give your divorce lawyer a chance to realize what’s involved in protecting your interests now and in the future with your legal claim for divorce. When you know what’s involved in going through divorce, you’ll feel more confident in your future.
You should gather a short list of critical items for your initial consultation with a divorce attorney. This includes 3 paystubs from your employer along with three from your spouse’s employer if you can obtain this information. Furthermore, pull down any income tax returns for the last 3 to 5 years as well as any account statements from retirement and banks. If you do not have all of the information listed above prior to meeting with your family law attorney, this should not dissuade you from going to the meeting altogether.
Many of the documents associated with your New Jersey divorce can be produced at a later date. It is certainly powerful and helpful for your lawyer to have this information at the outset of the initial consultation to give you more appropriate responses to your questions. But if you are unable to do so, it is not necessary to bring all of this with you to the initial consultation. After the case is filed and the legal proceedings start, this triggers the discovery process which can be extensive and long.
Both parties may be requested to complete significant document exchange efforts including the production of any financial records in their possession. Consulting with an attorney immediately after deciding to get a divorce can help you identify what is in your best interests and what you will need to move forward. Gathering this information in advance is strongly recommended, but your lawyer may also provide you with a more extensive list after the initial consultation and after you have come to the conclusion that you do intend to file for divorce.