Rhode Island Divorce Tips

The following excerpt is a brief question and answer provided on the Rhode Island Bar Association website and previously noted at RhodeIslandDivorceTips.com as part of my expansion article series to give people a more detailed answer to the questions posed on the Rhode Island Bar Association's website regarding divorce:
 

WHAT KIND OF ISSUES WILL I DISCUSS WITH MY ATTORNEY DURING THE FIRST VISIT?

The separation of a married couple is one of the most traumatic occurrences in one's life. An attorney will address both family and emotional issues, including consideration of marriage counseling or other steps to help save the marriage; assisting you as a parent in meeting the needs of your children; and handling financial matters such as real estate and personal property. You should also be sure to discuss, and fully understand, the attorney's fee arrangement at the first meeting.

via www.rhodeislanddivorcetips.com  from  www.ribar.com

Your first meeting with your Rhode Island Divorce attorney will vary from divorce lawyer to divorce lawyer.  However, it could consist of any number of subjects relating to your divorce.  

If you haven't formally retained the divorce attorney then you should reasonably expect that your meeting will consist of discussing the following subjects:

1.  Formalizing and executing the written engagement agreement between you and your divorce attorney;

2.  Discussing the scope of the attorney/client relationship and each party's rights in that relationship;

3.  Identifying the documents you will need to provide to your attorney either a)  to file for divorce, or b) the documents needed to respond to the divorce documents that have been served upon you;

If you have already retained you divorce attorney, signed the formal agreement, and discussed the scope of the attorney/client relationship, then you should reasonably expect that your meeting with your divorce lawyer may include:

1. Providing your divorce attorney with the documents he or she has requested for your case;

2.  Discussion of the conduct of each of the parties during the course of the marriage both as to financial expenditures and contributions within the marriage and infidelities;

3.  Discussion of your assets, debts and minor children, if appropriate, and what you might be willing to settle for, assuming you are aware of all the facts;

4.  The manner in which you and your attorney choose to move forward in your divorce proceeding.