How to Prepare to Meet with an Oceanside Family Law Attorney

The Documents & Information You Need to Get Started

Are you preparing to meet with your family law attorney for the first time? If so, you will need to come prepared with certain documents and information. With the information you provide, our attorneys at Palmer Rodak & Associates can evaluate your situation and develop a plan tailored to fit your goals.

The following is a list to guide you. Some of the items listed may not apply to you and we may request additional information not listed here.

If you have any questions leading up to your appointment with our firm, please do not hesitate to call us at (760) 573-2223.

Financial Information

All financial information should include account names, numbers, balances, and current statements:

• State and federal income tax returns for the past three to five years
• State and federal business income tax returns for the past three to five years
• Recent pay stubs
• Bank statements
• Statements regarding trusts, stocks, bonds or other investments
• List of safety deposit box contents
• Retirement savings information (including balances, beneficiaries, outstanding loans, and current statements) such as 401(k), 403(b), and IRA accounts
• Life insurance policies (including cash value)
• Social Security statements
• Pension statements

Property Information

Property information should include property descriptions, addresses, ownership interest, market value, outstanding mortgage or loan balances, lender, loan payments, and most recent property tax assessment:

• Primary residence
• Rental properties (including rental income)
• Vacation homes
• Business properties
• Valuable personal property or belongings, such as antiques, collectibles, vehicles, jewelry, art, computers, electronics, clothing, furs, and more
• Inheritances, both current and anticipated
• Interests in trusts both current or future
• Property owned by both you and your spouse prior to marriage
• Boats and other recreational vehicles

Bills & Outstanding Debt

This should include balances, statements, and source of payments:

• Credit card statements
• Loan statements
• Utility bills
• Other bills (school tuition, daycare, medical and dental bills, etc.)
• Monthly budget breakdown

Legal Agreements & Documents

• Wills and trusts
• Living wills
• Powers of attorney
• Durable powers of attorney
• Advance directives (also called power of attorney for healthcare, healthcare directives or proxy)
• Prenuptial agreements (also called premarital agreement or antenuptial agreement)
• Divorce settlement or child support orders from a previous marriage

Non-Financial Contributions

• Contributions of a stay-at-home parent or homemaker
• Contributions made by one spouse to further the education, training, and/or career of the other spouse

Finally, it is wise to begin considering any other issues that may apply to your particular situation.

Issues you may need to discuss with your attorney include:

• Child support
• Child custody and visitation
• Retaining/residence in the marital home
• Beneficiaries of insurance policies as well as other monetary benefits
• Spousal support/alimony
• Domestic violence and abuse
• Post-divorce non-financial support
• Legal expenses

Consult with Palmer Rodak & Associates Today

As you can see, divorce and family law matters can be complicated. Having the guidance of an experienced attorney from Palmer Rodak & Associates is an indispensable part of this process. Our Oceanside family lawyers have been a strong and steady presence for these matters for more than two decades and we welcome the opportunity to assist you through this critical time.

Take advantage of a free consultation by calling us at (760) 573-2223.