What Happens at Your First Meeting with a Divorce Attorney?

 Posted on November 14, 2025 in Divorce

Meeting with a divorce attorney for the first time can feel intimidating. Even though this is a new experience for you, there is no reason to be nervous. An experienced attorney conducts consultations regularly and will help you feel comfortable and heard.

Your initial consultation is more than just a formality. You have the opportunity to take control of your situation, receive honest legal guidance, and begin planning a strategy for what comes next. Try to relax and maximize your time.

At The Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson, P.C., our Northwest Cook County family lawyer has more than 15 years of experience guiding clients through every stage of the divorce process. Schedule a free consultation with our office and find out why we have a 5-star rating on Google.

Getting Ready for Your First Consultation with a Divorce Lawyer

Walking into the attorney’s office with the right information makes the process much smoother. Before you leave home, put together any documents you already have, such as financial statements, tax returns, pay stubs, real estate records, and prenuptial or postnuptial agreements. These documents will help an attorney understand your situation quickly and offer more specific, tailored legal advice.

Equally important is preparing for the consultation emotionally. Divorce involves major decisions about property, finances, and, if you have children, custody and parenting time. The more organized and calm you feel going into your consultation, the more clearly you can communicate your concerns and goals.

What Do You Talk to An Attorney About in a Divorce Consultation? 

Every divorce is different, so not every attorney consultation is the same. Generally speaking, however, you can expect a few consistent topics to be discussed.

Your Background and Divorce Goals

The first part of the consultation usually involves explaining your story. How long have you been married? Do you have children? What circumstances led you to consider divorce? The attorney will listen carefully and ask further questions about your relationship dynamics, finances, and living arrangements.

Clear communication about your goals is very important. Some people want to resolve their case quickly and to be as cordial with their spouses as possible. Others expect significant conflict or wonder if there are assets their spouses are hiding from them. The attorney needs to understand, for example, whether you are hoping to keep certain property, avoid paying alimony, or have full legal custody.

Financial and Property Issues

Finances often take up a large part of the first meeting. The attorney will ask about your income, assets, and debts to assess what property may be considered marital property and what might be non-marital. In Illinois, property acquired during the marriage — such as bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, and retirement funds — usually needs to be divided. Property acquired before the marriage or by gift or inheritance is typically considered separate.

The attorney may also explain how to protect your finances while the case is pending. If you believe your spouse will try to move money or hide assets, the lawyer can take steps immediately to prevent that.

Spousal maintenance, also known as alimony, is another major topic. Your lawyer will discuss how Illinois calculates maintenance and when it is likely to be awarded. Understanding these rules early helps set realistic expectations about your future budget and lifestyle.

Children, Custody, and Parenting Time

Illinois no longer uses the term "custody." Instead, the state refers to parental responsibilities and parenting time that covers decision-making authority and each parent’s schedule with the child. The attorney may ask about your child’s age, school, health, and current living situation. Your attorney will explain how parenting plans are developed and what steps can help you present your case well.

If there are any concerns about safety, substance abuse, or domestic violence, the attorney will discuss how those issues can affect parenting decisions and what protective measures may be available. Everything shared during the consultation remains private, so you can speak honestly about your family’s needs.

The Illinois Divorce Process

The attorney will also walk you through what to expect procedurally. Divorce in Illinois begins when one spouse files a petition for dissolution of marriage. The other spouse must then be formally served with notice.

Once both parties are aware of the filing, temporary orders can be issued by the Court to address immediate needs such as child support, parenting time, or financial responsibilities. The attorney will explain the difference between temporary orders and final judgments so that you understand how decisions made early in the case can influence long-term outcomes.

You will also learn about options for managing your divorce. Not every divorce requires a trial. Many cases settle through negotiation or mediation, which allows both parties to reach agreements privately and at lower cost. In some situations, collaborative law can be especially effective. Your attorney will assess whether these approaches may suit your situation.

What to Expect from a Good Divorce Attorney 

A good attorney not only provides legal representation but will give you clear, honest information and updates on your case. During your first meeting, pay attention to how the attorney communicates. You should feel respected, heard, and informed, not pressured or confused.

Your attorney should also explain fees clearly. Most family law firms charge either hourly rates or flat fees for specific services. The lawyer will describe the retainer process and provide an estimate based on the complexity of your case. Be sure to ask how billing works, what services are included, and how often you will receive updates about your case.

You should ask your attorney how often you will meet or exchange information and how Court deadlines will be managed. Divorce cases often move through multiple stages, including financial discovery, mediation, pretrial conferences, and potential hearings. Being able to communicate regularly with your lawyer will help you make sure that no detail is overlooked.

Call a Mt. Prospect, IL Divorce Attorney Today

Your first meeting with a divorce attorney marks the beginning of a new chapter. At The Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson, P.C., our Northwest Cook County family lawyer approaches every case with honesty, compassion, and a results-oriented mindset. We understand how difficult these moments can be and how much you have at stake. Call 847.873.6741 today to schedule your free consultation.