If you’re thinking about divorce, you may be waiting until you feel ready to speak with an attorney. Here’s the thing: nobody ever feels fully ready. A consultation isn’t a commitment, but it is where the bigger picture starts to come together, so you can begin making decisions.
McKinley Irvin’s new online resource, “How to Prepare for Your First Divorce Consultation: A Step-by-Step Washington Guide,” helps you understand how a divorce consultation works and offers steps to help organize your thoughts before a conversation with an attorney.
You don’t need to have everything figured out
A consultation meets you where you are. Maybe you see divorce coming, but nothing is filed. Maybe you’ve just been served. Maybe you’re partway through a case and looking for new representation. Each starting point is different, and the attorney can help with all of them.
Preparation is practical, not complicated
Preparation for a consult focuses on your most pressing questions and concerns, rather than digging into details. Five steps cover it:
- Know where you are in the process. Nothing filed, just served, or mid-case. This frames the whole conversation.
- Put together a financial overview. A rough picture is enough: income, savings, debts, and major assets. You don’t need statements or tax returns yet. Washington is a community property state, so the attorney will use your overview to start sorting out what is shared and what is separate.
- Write down your questions. Everyone forgets things, so bring a list to ensure you cover your most pressing issues.
- Clarify your priorities. Is it financial security, time with your kids, a particular asset, a faster resolution? You don’t need firm answers. Knowing what matters most keeps the conversation focused.
- Know what to expect. The attorney will start with the big picture, walk through your options, outline a realistic timeline, and explain how a retainer works.
A consultation is about information and options
A consultation is not a commitment to file a case or hire an attorney, and it isn’t a decision-making session. It’s a conversation that helps you understand where you stand and what comes next.
Ready to take the next step?
Our full guide, How to Prepare for Your First Divorce Consultation: A Step-by-Step Washington Guide, includes sample questions you may have for the attorney, what info you need to bring (and what you don’t), and answers to common questions to help you prepare for your divorce consultation.
If you are interested in consulting with a McKinley Irvin divorce attorney, call our client services team at (888) 337-0258 or use our contact form. Virtual consultations are available.