Arizona Divorce Lawyer Consultation Checklist

Arizona Law Notes

Arizona divorce involves the dissolution of marriage, legal decision-making, parenting time, child support, spousal maintenance, community property, community debt, and temporary orders. If children are involved, Arizona courts use the best interests of the child standard as the legal standard for legal decision-making and parenting time.

1. Bring Basic Case Information

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Your full legal name and contact information.
Your spouse's full legal name and contact information.
Date and place of marriage.
Date of separation, if any.
County where you live and county where your spouse lives.
Whether either spouse has already filed court papers.
Whether you have been served.
Whether there is an Order of Protection against either spouse
Upcoming court dates, deadlines, or service dates.

2. Bring Court Documents

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Petition for dissolution, response, or other pleadings.
Temporary orders or hearing notices.
Prior family court orders.
Protective orders or police reports
Any settlement proposal, mediation summary, or draft agreement.
Proof of service documents.
Any signed documents Any pre or post nuptial agreement

3. Bring Financial Snapshot

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Approximate monthly income for each spouse.
Recent pay stubs.
Last tax return.
List of bank accounts and approximate balances.
List of all debts and monthly payments such as school loans, credit cards
Mortgage, rent, utilities, childcare, insurance, and major expenses itemized
Retirement account balances for both spouses
Business ownership or self-employment details.

4. Bring Parenting Information

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Children's names and ages.
Current parenting schedule.
School and daycare information.
Medical or counseling needs.
History of each parent's caregiving responsibilities.
Concerns about safety, substance use, mental health, domestic violence, or child abuse
Your preferred parenting schedule and legal decision making

7. After the Consultation

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Decide whether to retain the attorney, If you retain the attorney, you will sign the fee agreement and pay the advance fee (retainer)
Save notes from the meeting.
Understand and agree on the Game Plan that your attorney will be sending you
Complete any recommended document gathering.
Calendar deadlines.
Avoid signing any agreements without advice of counsel

FAQs

Common Questions

What should I bring to my first divorce consultation?

Bring court papers, financial records, parenting information, and a list of questions. If you do not have documents yet, bring a summary of what you know. Ask yourself what is most important to you. Communicate this to your attorney at the consultation.

Can I meet with a lawyer before telling my spouse I want a divorce?

Yes. Many people consult an attorney privately before filing or discussing divorce so they understand their legal options and risks.

Can I use a joint credit card to pay the retainer for my attorney?

Yes, you can. There may or may not be any future reallocation.

Will the attorney tell me exactly what will happen?

An attorney can explain the legal issues, your options, and your risk reward scenario. Attorneys cannot and should guarantee you any results or court outcome.

Should I bring screenshots or messages?

No, it is not necessary to bring those to the consultation unless they concern your safety. You can discuss the gist of these other communications and the attorney will know the best and most efficient method to make these documents into exhibits and a summary. If you have concerns about your safety; text messages, recordings and emails will be valuable for your consultation so your attorney can legally evaluate them.

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Ready to Discuss Your Situation?

A focused consultation can help you make informed decisions before you file, respond, negotiate, or go to court. Contact our Arizona divorce team to schedule a confidential consultation.

Book Your Consultation

This checklist is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Arizona family law can be fact-specific, and court procedures may vary by county. If you are preparing to file, respond, negotiate, mediate, or appear in court, speak with an Arizona family law attorney about your situation.

Before You Start

Work Through the Steps