Just prior to our first meeting, there are several items you'll want to gather and a few topics you'll want to make note of. The list below will outlines a few things that will give us an excellent start in the right direction.

Copies of your marriage and birth certificates (including any children).

A brief timeline of the events in your marriage.

Information regarding prior marriages of either spouse, including a certified copy of the divorce decree.

Copies of any domestic contracts (e.g., a prenuptial agreement).

Information regarding any previous legal proceedings between spouses, or involving any of the children.

Dates and particulars about any previous separations, attempts at reconciliation, or marriage counseling.

Your employer's name and your spouse's employer's name, including dates of employment.

Social security and driver's license numbers for spouses and children.

Copies of your income tax returns (single or joint) for the last three years.

Copies of your last three pay stubs (if you work outside the home).

Note your spouse's income and any other household income.

Names of banks, any savings and checking account numbers, and amounts and names on those accounts.

Stocks, bonds and other investment information.

Value of any pensions, whose name they are in and when they began to contribute to the pension.

Note valuables such as jewelry, artwork and other collections.

Note any real estate holdings, including purchase date, purchase price, remaining balances and current values.

List all debts. Include amount owed, to whom, account numbers, date incurred, when due and whose name they are in.

Note the education and employment background for both parties.

Names and ages of children.

Note any "skeletons" that may be at issue such as drug/alcohol abuse, commission of a crime by either party, domestic abuse, or sexual misconduct. Please know that any information you provide to your attorney is protected by the attorney/client privilege. It is imperative that you are completely open and honest with your attorney so that he or she can provide you with the best possible preparation of your case.

Finally, be sure to ask questions. Keep a list so you won't forget to ask the questions that are most important to you. We don't expect you to initially understand every issue and legal term related to your case, and we'll do our best to avoid complicated legal language. But, if you unfamiliar with a legal term or any legal procedure, please ask for clarification. Your full understanding of your case will allow you to always make the best decisions possible.


You can reach Mr. Thomas at michael@michael-thomas-law.com or by telephone at (734) 612-7121