      
   4.9144 reviews

What Do I Need to Bring to My First Divorce Lawyer?

Request a Case Review

Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C.

10b9db026d89119e951a851045ac17eee7784f79

Written/Reviewed By:

Barry S. Kantrowitz, Esq.

Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Read Time: 4 mins

Divorce is never easy, but you can help make the process as smooth and as minimally contentious as possible with a small amount of preparation before your first meeting with a divorce attorney. Regardless of whether you are seeking to file for a divorce in New York or New Jersey, the following suggestions from Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. will make that first meeting productive and efficient.

Consider the issues that are likely to be addressed in the divorce proceedings.

Almost every divorce will involve one or more of four common issues:

How will the spouses divide their property?
What custody and visitation arrangements will be made for minor children?
How much will each spouse contribute to child support?
Will either spouse have alimony obligations?

Your divorce lawyer will be better able to answer your specific questions and to give you a better feel for how long the divorce proceedings will last if you are prepared to discuss these issues.

Bring relevant documents and materials.

A divorce attorney may ask to review bank statements, brokerage accounts, property deeds and records, and other matters involving the divorcing couple’s finances, including:

Joint tax returns for the most recent three to five years
Health and life insurance policies
Prenuptial agreements that predict asset distributions
Retirement plan holdings
Copies of recent pay stubs
Family budgets

Attorneys are strictly obligated to maintain the confidentiality of the information in these documents and materials, as well as all other information that is discussed in private meetings between an attorney and the client. Do not hesitate to ask your divorce lawyer about how these materials will be used and what effects they will have on the divorce proceedings.

Discuss whether you expect the divorce proceedings to be contentious.

In many cases, before a first meeting with an attorney, the spouses will have concluded that a divorce is in both parties’ best interests. Collaborative divorce proceedings are less stressful and will be concluded more quickly. Nonetheless, even the most cooperative divorcing spouses might object, for example, to alimony demands or limited child visitation rights. You can best prepare yourself and your divorce lawyer for the full divorce process with a frank assessment of the difficulties that can be expected regarding these and other critical issues.

Alert the divorce lawyer to potential emergencies.

A spouse might attempt to freeze the other spouse out of bank accounts, or that spouse might try dissipate the funds in bank accounts before the other spouse can get to them. In other situations, a person might have a legitimate fear of a violent reaction when an estranged spouse first learns about a divorce petition. It is critical that you alert your lawyer to these potential situations at your first meeting. Your attorney can then take immediate steps to protect your finances and personal safety before the occurrence of any emergency situations.

Write down all of your questions and ask your divorce lawyer for a thorough explanation.

You will likely hear a fair amount of legal jargon as the divorce proceedings move forward, including discussions of equitable distributions of community property, commingling of separate and marital property, debt distributions, and marital fault or misconduct. Ask your divorce lawyer to explain things in simple and straightforward language that you can understand. If you are not satisfied with the explanation or the attorney that you have selected is unable or unwilling to clarify your issues, retain a different divorce lawyer that will be more receptive to your questions and concerns.

Bring evidence of infidelity or any other matters that justify the cause for the divorce.

If you do not have direct evidence, bring any information from which you infer a spouse’s unfaithfulness or other conduct that precipitated the divorce, including phone records, bank statements that show unusual spending patterns, and copies of communications between your spouse and third parties.

Schedule a consultation with an experienced divorce lawyer at KGG

The matrimonial lawyers at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. represent spouses who are seeking a divorce in New York or New Jersey. We focus on providing the most professional legal representation with the highest level of compassion and understanding that will help spouses through a divorce proceeding with minimal acrimony.

Please call our offices to schedule an initial consultation with one of our divorce lawyers today.

Why Trust Us?

150+ Reviews

50+ Years of Service

Full-Service Law Firm

Client Reviews

    
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   Kenny Perlow 
 20 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. KGG Law, and Barry Kantrowitz in particular, set the bar high for what a thorough, practical, strategic, compassionate and smart lawyer can be. Everything about Barry's advice and representation was exemplary and the stress mitigation that resulted was invaluable. On top of that, the ultimate result Barry achieved was beyond what was reasonable to expect and we are forever grateful. Often, people say that you hire a lawyer to prevent a problem. Sometimes, unfortunately, you need an attorney to solve a problem and I could not recommend Barry and his firm any more highly in that regard.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Aliza Ali 
 84 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My dad had a great experience with this law firm. From the very beginning, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and always willing to answer our questions. They kept us informed throughout the entire process and made what could have been a very stressful situation much easier to handle. We truly appreciated their dedication, honesty, and hard work. Thanks to their support, my dad felt confident every step of the way. We are very grateful for everything they did and would highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for reliable legal representation.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Jana Montero 
 87 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful experience working with Sam Smith. He was very responsive, thorough, and easy to work with from start to finish. He walked me through everything clearly and made what started as a very stressful situation for me into something completely manageable. I would not hesitate to recommend him and the firm!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Mike Sakmann 
 93 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I sought legal advice regarding an employment matter and had an excellent experience working with Sam Smith, Esq. at KGG Law. Sam was thorough, attentive, and took the time to listen carefully to my concerns before providing clear, thoughtful guidance. I appreciated the professionalism and care shown throughout the process, and I would confidently recommend KGG Law to anyone in need of legal assistance.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Liz Hecker 
 99 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't say enough about this firm. They manage to comfort you during the whole legal process while staying professional and doing what is right. I would recommend them to anyone and also hire them again if I need legal help.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Brandy Miller 
 122 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate is the best. She helped me very quickly, and was very attentive with all of my needs. So thankful for her
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Mike Greenspan 
 135 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate Carballo is a dedicated, passionate, and creative attorney whom I had the pleasure to lecture with at a state trial lawyer's conference. Kate's lecture demonstrated how she uses her innovative and "out-of-the-box thinking" to achieve outstanding results for her injured clients. That Kate is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney is a testament to her skills, experience and commitment to excellence.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Jonathan Sampson 
 142 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was referred to KGG law by a friend and could not have asked for better legal representation. They walked me through every step of the process after my accident and began every call with “ how are you feeling” which was just one example of how much they care about their clients. They handled my case very efficiently, professionally and courteously. My attorney Kate Carballo was a rock star! So clearly experienced, she consistently made me feel at ease with the process. Highly recommend
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Vinnie Kung 
 145 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with the team at KGG Law. While it was a traumatic time for our family, they made it very easy for us and explained all of our options. They even performed due diligence to make sure that after our settlement, there would be no further issues which I think is even more important than the settlement itself. Thank you!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Lynn Gill 
 146 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The personnel at this business were second to none. Everyone was super responsive and amazing to work with. For any future legal needs, this will be my go-to, hands down.

see all reviews

What Do I Need to Bring to My First Divorce Lawyer?

Why Trust Us?

Rockland County, New York

Bergen County, New Jersey