Divorce Consultation Checklist for San Antonio Clients: Records, Questions, and Red Flags

Money questions sit at the center of most divorces, so financial documents do the heaviest lifting in a first meeting. Gather what you can of the following:

• Recent pay stubs for both spouses.
• Federal tax returns for the last two to three years, with W-2s or 1099s.
• Checking, savings, and joint account statements.
• Retirement and investment account statements, including 401(k), IRA, and pension information.
• A recent credit report if you have one.

If you cannot locate everything, bring what you have. A partial picture is still useful, and your attorney can advise on how to obtain the rest through the proper process.

Parenting and possession information

When children are involved, their routine becomes central to the conversation. Texas courts decide parenting matters based on the best interests of the child, so concrete details matter more than general impressions.

• Each child’s age, school, and daily schedule.
• The current caregiving routine and who handles what.
• Any special medical, educational, or developmental needs.
• Existing custody or support orders, if any.
• Your goals for a possession schedule and decision-making.

Property, debts, and business records

Texas is a community property state, so the meeting will cover what the marriage owns and owes. Helpful records include:

• Mortgage statements, deeds, and any lease agreements.
• Vehicle titles and loan balances.
• Credit card statements and other debts.
• Documentation of separate property, such as inheritances or premarital assets.
• For business owners, basic financials and ownership documents.

Questions to ask during the consultation

A consultation runs both ways. Bringing a short list of questions helps you judge fit and leave with clarity. Consider asking:

1. What are the likely stages and rough timeline for a case like mine?
2. Who at the firm will handle my matter day to day?
3. How do you communicate with clients, and how quickly?
4. How are fees structured, and what should I expect to budget?
5. Given my goals, what are my realistic options?

For more of the questions clients commonly ask before getting started, our divorce FAQ for San Antonio clients is a useful companion to this checklist.

Red flags to raise early

Some issues are easier to manage when an attorney knows about them from the start. Raise these early rather than letting them surface later:

• Concerns that a spouse may move, sell, or hide assets.
• Any history of family violence or safety concerns.
• A spouse who controls all the finances or account access.
• Out-of-state or international elements that could complicate jurisdiction.
• Upcoming deadlines, such as a response date if you have already been served.

What not to hide from your lawyer

It is natural to want to present your best self, but a first meeting works only if it is candid. Your attorney is on your side and needs the full picture to protect you.

Be upfront about difficult facts: a past affair, hidden debt, a prior arrest, or anything you worry the other side might raise. Surprises that emerge later are far harder to manage than facts your attorney knew from day one. Honesty in the consultation is what lets a strategy hold up under pressure.

If you are still deciding when to start the process at all, it is worth weighing the timing tradeoffs between initiating the case and waiting to respond before your meeting.