California Divorce: A First-Consultation Checklist
Family-law meetings become easier when emotional concerns and factual information are both given room, but kept organized separately.
Prepare the household overview
Write down marriage date, separation date if known, current living arrangements, children’s names and ages, and any existing court orders. A short household summary gives the attorney context before deeper questions begin.
Collect core financial information
Recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, mortgage or rent information, major debts, retirement accounts, and insurance details are common starting points. You do not need to solve property characterization yourself; the value is in making the information available.
Outline the current parenting schedule
If children are involved, describe the schedule that is actually happening now, including school, transportation, medical needs, and major activities. Avoid framing the notes as a scorecard against the other parent. Concrete logistics are more useful for a first discussion.
Use the meeting to define next steps
Ask about temporary orders, disclosure requirements, mediation, communication expectations, and likely near-term deadlines. A useful first consultation should leave you with a clearer process, even if not every strategic question can be answered immediately.
Quick takeaways
- Bring basic household dates and existing orders.
- Organize financial records by category.
- Describe the real parenting schedule, not the ideal one.
- Ask what must happen in the next 30–60 days.