Call to schedule your consultation. We will help you walk in prepared and walk out with a clearer picture of your options.
Whether you are certain about moving forward with your divorce or just gathering information, a little preparation can help you get real value from that first conversation.
Why preparation matters
An initial consultation is a two-way conversation. The attorney is learning about your situation so they can explain how Missouri law may apply to it, and you are deciding whether this is the right person to guide you through one of the most personal legal matters you may ever face. The more organized you are, the more of that limited time goes toward answers instead of paperwork.
You do not need to have everything figured out. Many people come in unsure whether they even want a divorce. That is completely normal, and it is a valid reason to meet with an attorney.
What to bring to your consultation
You do not need every document on this list to have a productive meeting. Bring what you can gather without creating conflict at home, and note anything you could not access.
- Recent pay stubs for you and, if available, your spouse
- Your last two or three years of tax returns
- Recent statements for bank accounts, retirement accounts, and investments
- A list of major debts, such as mortgages, car loans, credit cards, and student loans
- Monthly household expenses, even a rough estimate
- A simple list of significant assets: the home, vehicles, business interests, valuable personal property
- Any documents showing what was owned before the marriage or received by gift or inheritance, since Missouri treats separate property differently from marital property
Family and legal documents
- Your marriage certificate, if you have it
- Any prenuptial or postnuptial agreement
- Any existing court orders involving you, your spouse, or your children
- Names and birthdates of your children
A short written summary
A one-page timeline of your marriage, separation (if any), and the main issues on your mind can save significant time. Include anything you consider urgent, such as concerns about finances, the children’s schedule, or safety.
Questions worth asking the attorney
There are no wrong questions at a consultation, but these often produce the most useful answers:
- How would Missouri law likely treat my situation? No attorney can promise an outcome, but an experienced divorce lawyer can explain how courts in the St. Louis area often approach property division, maintenance, and parenting issues like yours.
- What are my options besides litigation? Depending on your circumstances, an uncontested divorce or mediation could resolve your case with less cost and conflict.
- What does the process look like from filing to final judgment? Ask about the typical stages, rough timelines, and what happens first.
- How do you communicate with clients? Find out who you will actually work with, how quickly calls and emails are returned, and how you will be kept informed.
- How are fees structured? Ask about retainers, hourly rates, and what tends to drive costs up or keep them down in cases like yours.
- What should I do, and not do, right now? Small early decisions about money, social media, and communication with your spouse can matter later.
Questions your attorney may ask you
Expect questions about the length of the marriage, income and assets, your children and their current routine, whether your spouse knows you are considering divorce, and what a good outcome would look like for you. Honest answers, including the uncomfortable ones, help the attorney give you accurate guidance. Everything you share in a consultation with an attorney is confidential, even if you decide not to hire that attorney.
St. Louis Divorce and Family Law Attorneys
The Betz Law Firm is a locally owned St. Louis family law firm helping individuals and parents through divorce, uncontested divorce, child custody, and parenting plans. Founded in 2012, our boutique team takes time to understand your goals, explains your options in plain language, and builds a strategy that fits your family and the realities of Missouri family law.
You’ll work with a close-knit team of attorneys, paralegals, and legal staff who value communication, preparation, and respect, so you can move forward with more confidence and less uncertainty.