Divorce after Twenty years together Community Group

I want to start something for those of us that were married for a long long time. I think that we face a little different issues than those who were dating for a few years or even married for shorter period of time. Being married for so long we have older children some have grandkids dealing with teenagers and their reaction to the divorice empty nesters dating after 40...

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/ Divorce after Twenty years together Support Group

Divorce things what is needed.

Gocubbies23
Gocubbies23
Since I filed for divorce. I had to gather all my finances and write down all the bills etc for the lawyer. What questions should I ask him? What other things do I need??? Please add any info. you used with your lawyer.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Ask him if he can estimate the time and cost.

In my case my lawyer would have been way off because of so many delays.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Here is what I had to find for my lawyer:
two to three years of past taxes information printed off for them
Info on the house we own together
last statements of retirement accounts
there was more but I'd have to go look at my notebook I have everything written in.
I bought the book: THe Divorce Organizer and Planner off Amazon which has been wonderful at getting organized
HealingT
HealingT
Cubbies, I just went through this, and I hope you have a copier handy. Your attorney will need a copy of : recent retirement account statements for both of you , mortgage info., current income info. for both of you, possibly an appraisal on your house, estimate of value of personal belongings -( cars, furniture, toys, jewelry), life insurance policies, deeds of co-owned real estate, income taxes for the past couple of years and your monthly budget. It is a huge pain in the butt, but necessary. You are basically taking a financial inventory of every aspect of your married life. Hopefully you can get your hands on all of this stuff because the more info. you have the better. Also, as iquitnow suggested, find out how much he charges per hour. My attorney requested a $2500 down payment for my divorce, and I don't think I will have much of a credit when I get his final bill. He was worth every penny, though. Good luck!
JaMama
JaMama
Ask your attorney for a list. This will reduce billable time. Any questions, use the paralegal, who will refer you to the attorney if needed.
CowgirlKathi
CowgirlKathi
I might also add that in addition to all the financial info mentioned above, it's a good idea for you to jot down what YOU would consider a fair and equitable settlement. This is part of what will help the attorney negotiate a settlement for you. Too often, folks forget about this aspect and it's important for your attorney to know what YOUR expectations are. Be as clear and concise as possible and when speaking to your attorney, always have a list of questions prepared to maximize the time you have with him/her.