How to Prepare for Your First Divorce Attorney Consultation in New York

Basic financial information. You don't need to bring every document, but having a general picture of your finances is helpful. Think about: your approximate income and your spouse's income, the major assets you own (home, vehicles, retirement accounts, investments, business interests), and the major debts you carry (mortgage, car loans, credit cards, student loans).

A timeline of your marriage. When did you marry? When did you separate (if you have)? When were your children born? Have there been prior legal proceedings (prior orders of protection, family court matters)?

Existing court orders. If there are any existing custody, support, or protection orders, bring copies.

Your prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, if one exists.

A list of your concerns and priorities. What matters most to you? What are you most worried about? Being clear about your priorities helps an attorney give you focused advice.

A good divorce attorney will:

• Listen carefully to your situation before giving advice
• Explain the general process of divorce in New York — including timelines, costs, and the stages of a case
• Identify the key issues in your case (custody, property, support) and give you a preliminary sense of how they might be resolved
• Discuss the different approaches available (negotiation, mediation, litigation) and which might be most appropriate
• Explain their fee structure, including whether they charge a flat fee or hourly, and what a retainer looks like

A consultation is not a comprehensive legal analysis — it is an opportunity to get to know each other, understand your situation at a high level, and determine whether the attorney is the right fit for you.

Come with questions. Good ones to ask include:

• How long have you practiced family law in New York, and how much of your practice is divorce?
• Who will actually be handling my case — you or another attorney in the firm?
• What is your approach — do you favor settlement or are you comfortable going to trial if needed?
• What do you think the main issues in my case will be?
• What is your retainer, and how do you bill? What should I realistically expect to spend?
• How do you communicate with clients? How quickly do you typically respond?
• What would you do differently if you were in my position?

Consultations are confidential. What you tell an attorney during a consultation is protected by attorney-client privilege, even if you don't hire them. Be honest — the more the attorney knows, the better advice they can give.

Trust your instincts. You may consult with more than one attorney before choosing one. Choose someone you feel comfortable with, who listens well, and who communicates clearly.

Don't hide unflattering facts. If there is something in your history you are worried about — an affair, a DUI, past drug use — tell your attorney. They need to know so they can prepare, not be surprised.

After meeting with an attorney, take time to reflect. Did they answer your questions clearly? Do you feel understood? Do you trust their judgment? Did their approach feel right for your situation? Cost matters, but it is not the only factor — the right attorney can make an enormous difference in outcomes.

At Weinrieb Law, we offer confidential consultations to help you understand your rights and options. We believe an informed client makes better decisions — and we are committed to giving you the honest guidance you need from the start.