Grand Rapids Divorce Attorney: First Consultation Checklist
Meeting a Grand Rapids divorce attorney for the first time can feel overwhelming. The more prepared you are, the faster you can get clear legal advice tailored to your goals. Use this checklist to organize key facts, documents, and questions so your consultation is productive from the start.
1) Define your immediate goals
Before your meeting, write down what matters most right now—stability for children, access to funds, housing, debt protection, or preserving a business interest. Clear priorities help your Grand Rapids divorce attorney recommend the right interim steps (e.g., temporary orders, parenting time schedules, or financial disclosures).
- Children: preferred parenting schedule, school/activities, healthcare needs
- Finances: who pays which bills, access to accounts, short-term budgets
- Property: home occupancy, vehicle use, insurance continuity
2) Gather essential documents
You don’t need every record on day one, but bring a snapshot of the household—income, assets, debts, and monthly expenses. Digital copies are fine.
- Recent pay stubs and last two years of tax returns
- Bank, credit card, loan, and retirement statements (most recent)
- Mortgage or lease, vehicle titles/loans, insurance policies
- Any prenuptial/postnuptial agreement
- For business owners: P&Ls, balance sheets, K-1s if available
3) Outline parenting realities (if applicable)
Courts look at the child’s best interests. A concise summary helps: current caregiving routines, school/daycare schedules, medical or special needs, and a calm, practical proposal for parenting time. Keep it solution-focused and child-centered.
4) Create a simple marital balance sheet
List assets and debts with rough values and what you believe is marital vs. separate. Perfection isn’t required—your attorney will refine it. This early inventory speeds strategy on settlement, disclosures, and potential expert needs (valuation, appraisal, or tracing).
5) Map the Michigan process & timelines
Michigan divorces have mandatory waiting periods (generally 60 days without minor children; about six months with minor children). Many cases resolve through negotiation or mediation; some require hearings. Your attorney will explain filings, disclosures, and what to expect in Kent County courts.
6) Ask targeted questions
- What are realistic outcomes for custody/parenting time in cases like mine?
- How are home equity, retirement accounts, or a family business typically handled?
- What temporary orders should we consider right away?
- What are the biggest risks—and how can we reduce them?
- What is the likely sequence and timeline for my matter?
7) Protect your privacy and finances
Update passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid posting about the case on social media. Pull a free credit report, monitor joint accounts, and avoid large transfers without advice. Practical safeguards prevent avoidable disputes.
8) Consider settlement first, prepare for litigation
Most cases settle with informed negotiation and good documentation. Still, it’s wise to plan for contested issues by preserving records, communicating respectfully about children, and keeping a contemporaneous timeline of key events.
How working with counsel helps
An experienced Grand Rapids divorce attorney clarifies strategy, manages deadlines, preserves evidence, and advocates for parenting time and property outcomes that fit your goals. Early, organized action shortens the path to resolution.
Grand Rapids Divorce — FAQs
What should I bring to my first divorce consultation?
Recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank/retirement statements, mortgage/lease, insurance, and any prenup. A brief summary of parenting routines helps if you have children.
Do I need a temporary order right away?
Often. Temporary orders can stabilize parenting time, support, bill payments, and home/vehicle use while the case is pending.
How are retirement accounts divided?
They’re typically marital to the extent earned during the marriage and may require a QDRO or similar order. Tracing and valuations can apply in some cases.
Will I have to appear in court?
Many matters resolve without a trial, but brief court appearances are common. Your attorney will prepare you and, when allowed, may appear on your behalf.
This article is general information, not legal advice. For guidance on your specific facts, consult counsel.
