Your first meeting with a divorce lawyer can feel heavy. You may worry about what to say, what to share, and what to expect. You may fear missing something that could affect your future. This guide explains what to bring so you can use that first visit well. You will see how simple records tell your story. You will learn which papers help your lawyer see risks and options fast. You will also understand why clear facts matter more than emotion in a contested case. When you look for legal help for contested divorce in Alabama, you deserve clear steps, not guesses. You can walk into that office prepared. You can walk out with a plan. The right documents support your voice. The right details protect your time, your savings, and your children. You do not need to feel lost. You only need to get organized.
Know Your Goals Before You Go
Before you gather one sheet of paper, you need to know what you want most. Contested divorce means you and your spouse do not agree on one or more issues. That often includes:
- Child custody and time with children
- Money support for children and spouse
- Who keeps the home and other property
First, write your top three goals. Use clear words. For example:
- Keep a stable school and home for the children
- Protect retirement savings
- Limit debt in your name
Second, write your top three worries. Your lawyer needs to hear those. That list guides what documents matter most.
Personal Information You Should Bring
Your lawyer needs basic facts to open your case and check the law that applies. Bring:
- A photo ID for you
- Full legal names for you, your spouse, and all children
- Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and children
- Birth dates for everyone in the family
- Current home address and any past addresses from the last five years
- Phone numbers and email addresses for you and your spouse
Also bring a copy of your marriage certificate if you have it. Alabama courts need proof that a legal marriage exists.
Court Papers and Legal History
Your lawyer must see every court paper tied to you or your spouse. Even old cases matter. Bring copies of:
- Any prior divorce filings, even if dismissed
- Protection from abuse orders
- Child support orders
- Custody or visitation orders
- Adoption papers
- Criminal charges or sentencing records for either spouse
If you cannot find court papers, write down the county, year, and type of case. That helps your lawyer search court records. The Alabama Unified Judicial System offers public information that your lawyer can use.
Money Records Your Lawyer Needs
Contested divorce often centers on money. You protect yourself with honest and full records. Bring at least the last three years if you can. Include:
- Tax returns for federal and state income taxes
- W-2s, 1099s, and recent pay stubs
- Bank statements for all checking and savings accounts
- Retirement account statements such as 401(k), IRA, or pension
- Investment account records such as stocks or mutual funds
- Business income records if you or your spouse own a business
Also bring a list of debts. That list should cover:
- Mortgage statements
- Car loans
- Credit cards
- Personal loans
- Student loans
- Medical bills
Try to mark which debts are in your name, your spouse’s name, or both.
Property and Debt Checklist Table
The table below helps you sort what to bring. You can print this and fill it out by hand.
| Item Type | Examples | Documents To Bring | Whose Name Is On It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home and Land | House, rental property, farmland | Deed, mortgage statement, tax bill | You, spouse, or both |
| Vehicles | Cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles | Title, loan statement, insurance card | You, spouse, or both |
| Bank Accounts | Checking, savings, money market | Last 6 months of statements | You, spouse, or both |
| Retirement | 401(k), IRA, pension, Thrift Savings Plan | Most recent quarterly statement | You, spouse, or both |
| Credit Cards | Store cards, bank credit lines | Last 3 statements | You, spouse, or both |
| Loans | Car loans, personal loans, student loans | Promissory note, payment history | You, spouse, or both |
Information About Children
Courts in Alabama must focus on the safety and best interests of children. That means your lawyer needs strong information. Bring:
- School names, grades, and report cards
- Childcare or after school care records
- Health insurance cards and policy numbers
- Medical records for serious health needs
- Names of doctors, therapists, and counselors
Also write a simple schedule that shows where the children have lived for the last five years. Include addresses and who lived in each home. That helps with custody rules that follow state and federal law. You can read more on the U.S. Office of Child Support Enforcement site.
Proof of Behavior and Communication
In a contested divorce, what people do often matters more than what they say. Bring proof that shows patterns. That can include:
- Text messages and emails about money, children, or threats
- Social media posts that show drinking, drugs, or unsafe acts
- Police reports or incident numbers
- Photos of injuries or property damage
- Written logs of visits or missed visits with children
Print key messages and label them by date. That keeps your meeting focused and calm.
Personal Safety Plan
If you fear your spouse, tell your lawyer at once. You can bring:
- Any safety plan you created with a shelter or advocate
- Contact information for people who help you stay safe
- A list of places your spouse should not visit
You deserve to speak in a safe place. You also deserve a plan that reduces risk when papers are filed or served.
Questions To Ask Your Lawyer
Your first meeting is not only about facts. It is also about fit. Write down at least five questions such as:
- What outcomes seem realistic in my case
- How long can a contested divorce in Alabama take
- What steps happen in the next 30 days
- How do you charge fees and costs
- How should I speak with my spouse during this case
Bring a notebook. Take clear notes. That helps you recall key points when stress rises.
What To Leave At Home
You also protect yourself by leaving some things out of the room. Try not to bring:
- New partners or dates
- Young children
- Large groups of family members
You gain more from a quiet talk with your lawyer. You can share details with loved ones later if you choose.
Walk In Prepared, Walk Out With Direction
Your first meeting sets the tone for the whole case. You cannot control your spouse. You can control your preparation. When you bring clear records, you give your lawyer what is needed to protect your future. You also show the court that you respect the process and your children. Careful planning now can reduce conflict, cut costs, and shorten the fight. You do not need perfection. You only need honesty, effort, and the courage to show the truth on paper.
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