How To Prepare for Your First Divorce Consultation | Tanda Law Firm, LLC
- matanda33
- Sep 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 23
Preparing for your first divorce consultation makes the meeting more productive and reduces stress. Bring key documents, clarify your priorities, and be ready to discuss children, finances, and safety concerns. This guide gives a simple, practical checklist, suggested questions to ask, and tips to get clear next steps from your attorney.
A well-prepared consultation saves time and helps your attorney give accurate, actionable advice. You’ll get a realistic sense of options, likely timelines and costs, and an early strategy that protects your children, assets, and daily life.
Before You Go, Gather These Essentials
Bring what you have. You don’t need perfect records. Even rough notes help to assess your situation.
• Identification and contact details
◦ Your full name, date of birth, and contact information
◦ Spouse’s name and contact details if available
• Marriage and family basics
◦ Date of marriage and, if applicable, date of separation
◦ Children’s names, dates of birth, school and primary caretaker info
• Income and employment snapshots
◦ Recent pay stubs or employer contact info for you and your spouse
◦ Recent tax return if available (last 1–2 years)
• Assets and debts summary
◦ Home(s) and approximate value or mortgage balance
◦ Bank and retirement accounts (approximate balances)
◦ Vehicles, loans, credit card debts, business ownership notes
• Monthly budget snapshot
◦ Rough list of household income and monthly expenses (mortgage/rent, childcare, utilities)
• Important documents if available (copies or photos)
◦ Recent pay stubs, bank statements, mortgage statement, vehicle titles
◦ Prenuptial agreement or existing separation agreements
◦ Court orders involving custody, protection, or support
• Safety and protection info
◦ Any history of domestic violence, threats, or stalking - bring dates and evidence if safe to do so
What To Write Down Ahead Of Time
Preparing a short summary helps you explain the situation clearly and keeps the meeting focused.
• One-paragraph summary of your marriage and why you’re considering divorce
• Your top 3 priorities and top 1–2 non-negotiables (examples: keep the house, protect time with children, maintain privacy)
• Immediate questions you want answered
• Any short list of concerns about safety, hidden assets, or children’s wellbeing
Suggested Questions To Ask During The Consultation
Asking these gets you useful information fast and can guide us where you would like us to focus.
• What are my realistic options here: mediation, negotiation, collaborative law, or litigation?
• Based on what I’ve told you, what is the likely timeline and next immediate steps?
• How do you structure fees and what is a typical cost range for cases like mine?
• How will child custody, parenting time, and support likely be handled in our situation?
• What documents should I gather next? What should I stop doing now to protect myself?
• Do you recommend temporary orders at this stage and how do we request them?
• What communication strategy should I use with my spouse while we proceed?
What To Expect From Us In A Consultation
A first consultation is an exploratory conversation—not a commitment. Expect to:
• Be asked clarifying questions about children, finances, health, and safety
• Receive an initial assessment of options and risks based on Colorado law and local practice
• Get practical next steps and a list of documents to collect for deeper review
• Discuss fee structure and possible limited-scope or phased representation options
Tips For Safety & Communication
If you worry about your safety when your spouse learns about your plans, prioritize security.
• Do not announce plans on shared devices or shared email accounts
• Change passwords and review account access where necessary
• Consider using a separate phone, email, and private meeting space for the consultation
• If there is a history of domestic violence, tell the attorney confidentially at the start
What Not To Do Before Your Consult
Avoid these common mistakes that can complicate later steps.
• Do not try to hide or move assets — this can create legal and credibility problems
• Don’t post about divorce plans on social media or send provocative messages
• Avoid making major financial decisions or large purchases in the marital name
FAQs
How long is a first consultation?
• Typically 30 minutes, depending on complexity and whether you bring documents.
Do I have to hire the Tanda Law Firm after the consultation?
• No. A consultation is informational. You will receive options and a recommended plan; hiring is your choice.
What if I cannot afford full representation?
• Ask about limited-scope services, payment plans, or flat-fee options during your consult.
Is the consultation confidential?
• Yes. Conversations with an attorney are confidential, and you should disclose sensitive information for an accurate assessment.
Conclusion: A Small Moment To Honor Your Step Forward
Deciding to seek legal guidance is often the first clear, courageous step toward a safer, more stable future. This meeting is not just about documents and timelines, it’s about creating space for your next chapter.
Take a moment to acknowledge that you’ve moved from uncertainty toward action. Whether you’re nervous, relieved, or both, recognize that reaching out for advice is an act of care for yourself and your family.
If you’d like, bring someone you trust to the consultation or ask us for resources and referrals (therapists, financial planners, mediators) as part of your next steps. You don’t have to do this alone.
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