Preparing for a Divorce: What to Bring to Your First Family Law Consultation

“Will I still be able to keep the Mount Adams condo I bought before we were married?”

“What happens to the kids’ private school tuition if we split?”

“Can I protect my share of the business my family has built over generations?”

If you’re asking yourself questions like these, you’re not alone. For many couples in Cincinnati, especially those who own multiple properties, manage investments, or run family businesses, starting the divorce process brings more than just emotional stress. There are real financial and personal details that will shape your future. Walking into your first consultation with a divorce attorney prepared sets you up for a more productive path forward. 

We’re here to tell you more about the initial process, and remind you that divorce isn’t pretty, but it doesn’t have to be ugly.

Why Preparation Makes a Real Difference

Your first consultation with a Cincinnati family law attorney is about more than just telling your story. It’s the moment you begin to understand what divorce might look like for you—how assets could be divided, what parenting time might involve, and what financial obligations may come into play. The more organized you are, the clearer your attorney can be about your options and strategy. Think of it as building a roadmap for the months ahead.

Key Documents to Bring

Having the right paperwork on hand gives your attorney a complete view of your circumstances from the start. Consider gathering:

Income and Tax Information: Bring recent pay stubs, W-2s, 1099s, and your last three years of tax returns. If you’re a business owner in downtown Cincinnati or operate a professional practice in Blue Ash or West Chester, include profit-and-loss statements, K-1s, and any documents other corporate financial statements. 

Bank and Investment Accounts: Collect recent statements for checking and savings accounts, brokerage portfolios, retirement accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions. For families with college savings plans or trusts set up for children, include those statements as well.

Property and Real Estate Records: If you and your spouse own a primary residence in Indian Hill, a vacation property in Hilton Head, or a rental property in Oakley, bring deeds, mortgage statements, and any appraisals. Information about country club memberships, boats, or other high-value assets is also useful.

Debts and Liabilities: Prepare by pulling documentation for mortgages, student loans, credit cards, or business lines of credit. A clear picture of debt is just as important as knowing what you own.

Personal and Family Records: If you have one, bring your prenuptial and/or postnuptial agreements.  These may impact the discussion around the division of your assets and debts. 

Defining Your Goals for A Divorce in Ohio

Beyond paperwork, spend time reflecting on your priorities. For some, that means keeping a home near the kids’ school to provide stability. For others, it’s about making sure business interests in aren’t disrupted. Maybe your focus is ensuring your children continue their extracurricular activities—whether that’s club soccer, dance, or music lessons—without financial strain.

Write down your questions and concerns before your consultation. This helps your attorney focus on what matters most to you, not just the numbers on paper.

Ohio Divorce Considerations

Divorce laws vary from state to state, and in Ohio, the court uses a system called equitable distribution. That means marital property isn’t always divided 50/50, but rather in a way the court believes is fair. Child support is calculated using state guidelines, and decisions about custody must center on your children’s best interests. An experienced Cincinnati divorce attorney will explain how these rules apply to your specific situation and help you prepare accordingly.

How a Cincinnati Family Law Attorney Can Help

During litigation or a negotiated settlement process your attorney is your advocate. They’ll use the documents you’ve prepared to protect your financial stability, clarify how proposed agreements might impact your future, and make sure every detail—from real estate division to retirement planning—is covered. For couples with significant assets, your lawyer’s guidance can help avoid costly mistakes and create solutions that truly reflect your goals.

Take the Next Step with Wagner & Bloch, Reach Out to Us Today

Preparing for divorce is never easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Wagner & Bloch, our Cincinnati family law attorneys work with clients who have complex financial and personal concerns. We’ll help you get organized, understand Ohio’s divorce process, and build a strategy that protects your financial life, your business interests, and your children’s future.

Ready to start your next chapter with support you can rely on? Contact Wagner & Bloch to schedule your first consultation with a trusted Cincinnati divorce attorney.