Unfortunately, for many, the experience of their first divorce consultation can feel overwhelming.
It’s common for clients to feel anxious and be unsure what to ask during the meeting.
It’s completely normal.
The goal of this first meeting isn’t to make every decision or solve everything at once. It’s about getting clarity and starting to feel more in control.
What Happens During the First Meeting?
When you sit down with a family law attorney, the conversation usually starts with your story. You’ll be asked about your marriage, your children, your finances, and any concerns you have about custody or support.
This is your chance to be honest and open. Everything you share is confidential, and there’s no judgment. The attorney’s job is to understand your situation so they can give realistic guidance.
Expect questions about:
- How long you’ve been married and the circumstances leading up to the decision to divorce.
- Any children involved, including their ages, living arrangements, and your hopes for co-parenting.
- Your financial situation, including income, assets, debts, and monthly expenses.
- Any concerns about safety or complex family dynamics.
It’s normal if you don’t have every detail immediately. The first consultation is about understanding the broad picture, not compiling every piece of paper or figuring out every number. You can gather documentation later as you move forward.
Learning About the Divorce Process
After understanding your situation, the attorney will usually explain the divorce process in Florida. This includes:
- Difference between uncontested and contested divorce
- How child custody and support are generally determined
- How property and debts may be divided
- What the timeline might look like for your case
Even if some of this sounds complicated at first, the attorney’s role is to break it down in plain language. You don’t need to know legal rules in detail. What matters is understanding the options and what to expect for your family.
Creating a Legal Strategy
Another important part of the consultation is discussing strategy. This isn’t about telling you exactly what to do, but about exploring possible paths. For example, you might talk about mediation versus court, temporary arrangements for children, or steps to protect your finances while the divorce is pending. The goal is to give you a realistic sense of what works best for your situation.
You’ll also have a chance to ask questions. Many people come with concerns like:
- How will custody decisions be made?
- What if I can’t afford two households right away?
- How long will the process take?
- How do I protect my privacy and my children?
No question is too small, and it’s better to ask everything while you’re there. The consultation is as much for you as it is for the attorney. It’s where you start feeling informed and empowered.
Finally, your attorney will explain what comes next.
For most people, this includes gathering documents, filing initial paperwork, or scheduling follow-up meetings. Hopefully, when you leave your initial meeting, you’ll have a clearer picture of the process and a plan that feels manageable.
An Attorney Provides Guidance and Support
Your initial meeting to discuss your situation isn’t about rushing decisions or feeling pressured to do anything. Instead, it’s about helping you better understand the process and your attorney better understand your family situation. Once this is accomplished, the two of you can create a plan that makes sense for you.
Divorce is challenging, but having someone who can guide you, answer questions, and help you navigate the next steps can make a real difference. It’s the beginning of regaining control and moving forward with confidence. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact the Law Offices of Robert M. Geller.
