Your First Meeting with a Divorce Attorney: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Your first divorce attorney assesment is a chance to share your story, ask questions, and understand how Massachusetts divorce law works, including timelines, costs, and key issues such as property division and child custody.

Key Takeaways:

• Bring financial documents, a list of major assets and debts, and any prenuptial agreements to your assessment with the attorney.
• Expect to discuss property division, child custody, support obligations, and whether your case can be resolved through a joint petition for divorce or may require litigation.
• Choose an attorney who listens carefully, communicates clearly, and makes you feel comfortable during one of life’s most challenging transitions.

Let’s be honest: sitting down with a divorce attorney for the first time feels strange. You’re about to discuss some of the most personal details of your life with someone you’ve never met. Maybe you’re not even sure what to ask, or you’re worried about saying the wrong thing. That knot in your stomach? Totally understandable.

Here’s the thing, though. This meeting isn’t about putting you on the spot. It’s your opportunity to talk through what’s happening, get honest answers, and start making sense of a process that probably feels overwhelming right now. A little preparation can turn an anxious first visit into something that actually leaves you feeling lighter and more in control.

Why This Meeting Matters

Your first meeting with a divorce attorney sets the tone for everything that follows. Think of it as a two-way interview. You’re evaluating whether this attorney and firm are the right fit for your situation, and the attorney is gathering the information they need to understand your situation.

This consultation gives you the opportunity to explain your circumstances, voice your concerns, and learn about the legal process in Massachusetts. A good attorney will listen carefully, answer your questions honestly, and help you understand your options without overwhelming you with legal jargon.

By the end of the meeting, you should have a realistic picture of what your divorce might look like, including potential timelines, costs, and the issues that will need to be resolved.

How to Prepare Before You Arrive

A little preparation goes a long way. Coming to your consultation organized helps your attorney assess your situation more accurately and allows you to make the most of your time together.

Start by gathering some basic documents. You don’t need everything perfectly organized, but having key information on hand will help. Consider bringing:

• Recent tax returns and pay stubs
• Bank and investment account statements
• Mortgage documents or lease agreements
• Information about debts, including credit cards, loans, and other obligations
• A list of major assets like vehicles, real estate, and retirement accounts
• Any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements

Beyond paperwork, take some time to think about your goals. What matters most to you in this divorce? Is it staying in the family home? Ensuring a fair custody arrangement? Protecting your retirement savings? Having a sense of your priorities helps your attorney understand what you’re working toward.

Finally, jot down your questions ahead of time. When emotions run high, it’s easy to forget what you wanted to ask. Writing things down ensures you leave the meeting with the answers you need.

What Happens During the Assessment 

Every attorney handles assessments a bit differently, but most initial meetings follow a similar structure.

Your attorney will likely start by asking you to share some background about your marriage and your current situation. They’ll want to know how long you’ve been married, whether you have children, and what prompted your decision to explore divorce. This isn’t about judgment. It’s about understanding the whole picture so they can give you accurate guidance.

From there, the conversation typically shifts to the legal aspects of your case. Your attorney will explain how divorce works in Massachusetts, including the difference between filing a Complaint for Divorce and pursuing a joint petition for divorce when both spouses are in agreement. They’ll walk you through what happens at each stage, from filing and temporary orders to financial disclosure and final resolution.

You’ll also discuss the key issues that will need to be addressed in your divorce. These usually include:

• Division of property and debts
• Child custody and parenting time
• Child support
• Spousal support, if applicable

Your attorney will ask questions to get a sense of where you and your spouse stand on these matters. Are you generally on the same page, or do you anticipate conflict? The answers help determine whether your case might be resolved through negotiation or whether litigation could become necessary.

This is also your chance to ask questions. Don’t hold back. Ask about the attorney’s experience with cases like yours, how they communicate with clients, what their fees look like, and what timeline you might expect. A trustworthy attorney will answer openly and won’t dodge the hard questions.

Questions You Might Want to Ask

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some questions worth considering:

• How long have you been practicing family law in Massachusetts?
• What’s the typical timeline for a divorce like mine?
• How will you keep me informed about my case?
• What are your fees, and how is billing handled?
• Do you encourage settlement, or do most of your cases go to trial?
• What should I avoid doing during the divorce process?
• How do you approach cases involving children?

The answers to these questions will help you gauge whether this attorney’s style and values align with what you’re looking for.

What to Look for in the Right Attorney

Beyond credentials and experience, pay attention to how you feel during the consultation. Divorce is deeply personal, and you need an attorney who makes you feel heard and respected.

Notice whether the attorney listens carefully or rushes through the conversation. Do they explain things in plain language, or do they leave you more confused than when you started? Are they honest about the challenges you might face, or do they make promises that sound too good to be true?

Trust your instincts. You’ll be working closely with this person during one of the most difficult chapters of your life. Feeling comfortable and confident in their guidance matters more than you might think.

After the Meeting: What Comes Next

Once the consultation wraps up, take some time to reflect. You don’t have to make a decision on the spot. A good attorney will give you space to think things through without pressuring you to sign anything immediately.

If you decide to move forward, the attorney will explain the next steps, which typically involve signing a retainer agreement and beginning to gather additional documentation. From there, your attorney will start building your case and guiding you through the process.

If you’re not sure this attorney is the right fit, that’s okay, too. It’s worth meeting with one or two others before making your choice. The goal is to find someone who understands your goals, communicates clearly, and makes you feel supported.

How Farias Family Law Can Help

At Farias Family Law, we know that calling a divorce attorney’s office for the first time takes courage. We’ve spent over 35 years helping families across Bristol, Norfolk, and Plymouth counties navigate divorce and custody matters with compassion and integrity.

Our approach is different. We believe divorce can be a turning point rather than a breaking point, and we’re committed to helping you emerge from this experience stronger than before. We prioritize clear communication, emotional support, and efficient service because you deserve a legal team that sees you as a whole person, not just a case file.

Ready to take the first step? Schedule a free screening with a trusted team member and find out how we can support you through this transition. We’re here when you’re ready.