Family law · Practical preparation
What to Bring to a Divorce Consultation in Florida
A useful first meeting starts with a clear overview, not a perfect file. This checklist helps you organize the papers, questions and financial information you may want to discuss with a divorce attorney.
Your five-minute checklist
- Note whether a case has been filed, papers have been served, or a hearing is scheduled.
- Have any existing court orders, agreements or filed papers available.
- Write down your three most important questions.
- Prepare a broad overview of income, property, debts and, if relevant, parenting arrangements.
- Identify what you do not know yet. Missing paperwork should not stop you from asking about a consultation.
When you book, keep it simple
Tell the intake team that you are asking about a divorce consultation, whether another attorney currently represents you, and whether there are known court or signing dates. Ask about availability and the meeting format.
You do not need to send a detailed account of the marriage to arrange a meeting. Keep sensitive documents and case details out of the website form; ask the team for an approved way to share them.
Bring the papers you already have
If available, organize the following in a short folder or clearly labeled files:
- A petition, answer, hearing notice or other papers filed in an existing case.
- Temporary orders, prior judgments, and any current parenting or support orders.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, or a proposed settlement agreement you want reviewed.
- A list of upcoming dates and the document that identifies each date.
If you are unsure what a document is, keep its full title and all pages together. Ask the team which materials the attorney needs in advance and which can wait until the meeting. Do not access another person’s accounts or records without authorization.
Prepare a financial overview—not a valuation
A practical starting point is a list of income sources, properties, bank and retirement accounts, major debts and regular household expenses. Include what you know and identify gaps. Recent statements, pay records or tax returns may help if the attorney asks for them; there is no need to value every asset yourself.
If a business or complex assets are involved
Make a separate list of business interests, investment properties, trusts in which you have an interest, retirement benefits, stock compensation or deferred compensation. Note whose name appears on each item and which records are available. These details help frame the questions for the consultation; they do not establish how property will be treated.
For a general overview of the firm’s work in this area, see equitable distribution.
If you have children, outline the current routine
Be ready to describe the current parenting schedule, school or childcare arrangements, transportation needs and any existing parenting plan. Write down the questions you want to discuss about future arrangements or support.
You can also review our parenting plans and child support pages before the meeting.
Questions worth asking the attorney
- What issues need attention first, and what information is still missing?
- What does the consultation cover, and what would the next step involve?
- How are the initial retainer, billing and replenishment handled?
- Who would work on my matter, and who would be my day-to-day contact?
- How should I share documents and receive updates?
- What choices may affect the time and expense involved?
Before the meeting ends
Clarify what, if anything, the firm has agreed to do, which documents you should provide next and how any follow-up will be arranged. If you are considering hiring the firm, ask to review the proposed engagement terms. A consultation is a chance to understand the available next steps and assess whether the firm is the right fit.
Ready for a conversation?
GFC LAW serves clients in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties from its Fort Lauderdale office. Learn more about our divorce representation, or request a consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. Contact the firm to discuss your situation.
Firm resources: Divorce · Contact and office information. This preparation guide does not state a legal deadline or predict the outcome of a matter.