Your first consultation - Divorce checklist

When you first come to see us, we will need to gather certain information to be able to provide you thorough and accurate legal advice.  Details can often be difficult to recall or obtain on the spot, so to make the most of your time it is helpful if you can prepare relevant information beforehand.  This will include details regarding:

• Yourself, your spouse and any third party. For example, date and country of birth, maiden name, state of health, contact details;
• Your relationship. For example, date and place of marriage, date of commencement of cohabitation, details of any previous marriages of yourself or your spouse;
• Your separation. For example, the date and circumstances of final separation, the date that you and/or your spouse considered the relationship to have ended, living arrangements prior to and after separation, details of divorce orders (if any);
• Your children. For example, details regarding the child's living arrangements, child support arrangements, who supervises or cares for the child at what times, and the child's state of health. Please also consider whether you think any changes to these arrangements are necessary;
• The financial position of yourself and your spouse. For example, details regarding your employment, income, expenses and financial needs and responsibilities;
• Assets and liabilities belonging to yourself and your spouse at the commencement of your marriage or cohabitation;
• Assets and liabilities belonging to yourself and your spouse at the time of your separation;
• Assets and liabilities belonging to yourself and your spouse currently;
• Non-financial contributions made by yourself and your spouse during the relationship. For example, contributions made as a homemaker, parent or by undertaking renovations on property etc;
• Financial contributions made by yourself and your spouse during the relationship. For example, a history of employment and earned income, gifts receive from parents, inheritances, personal injury/compensation claims, retrenchment packages;
• Your accountant and/or your spouse's accountant;
• Your will and/or your spouse's will;
• Any other matter that you consider relevant.

Download a PDF of this checklist for ease of use here.