What documents should I bring to a first divorce consultation in Connecticut?

Bring recent pay stubs, the last two years of tax returns, current statements for bank, retirement, and brokerage accounts, mortgage and loan statements, credit card balances, and any prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. If children are involved, bring the current schedule and any existing court orders. Nothing needs to be complete or organized. Partial information is still useful.

How long does a first consultation usually take?

Plan on about an hour. That is enough time to walk through the facts, identify the issues that will actually drive the outcome, and give a candid read on where the case is likely to land.

Do I have to decide anything at the consultation?

No. A consultation is an assessment, not a commitment. Many people book one while they are still deciding whether to move forward at all.

What questions should I ask a divorce attorney?

Ask who will actually handle the day-to-day work on your file, how the firm communicates and how quickly, how fees are billed and what typically drives them up, what the realistic range of outcomes looks like on your facts, and what the first ninety days would involve.

First Family Law Consultation Checklist

By Attorney Tara J. Galbo

June 3, 2026 · 1 min read

Reviewed and updated August 17, 2026

What to bring

Before the consultation, gather any existing court orders, the most recent two years of tax returns, recent pay stubs, and a list of major assets and debts.

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How to summarize your situation

Write a brief, factual summary of your situation: dates, names, and the issues you want to address. A timeline is especially helpful.

Consultation table at Galbo Family Law in Milford, Connecticut — The consultation room at 88 High Street. Bring what you have, not what you think you should have.

Questions worth asking in the room

List your questions in advance. Common topics include process, timeline, likely cost ranges, and what to expect at each stage.

What you leave with

After the consultation, you will know whether the matter is a fit for the practice, what the next steps would be, and how engagement is structured.

Common questions

What documents should I bring to a first divorce consultation in Connecticut?: Bring recent pay stubs, the last two years of tax returns, current statements for bank, retirement, and brokerage accounts, mortgage and loan statements, credit card balances, and any prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. If children are involved, bring the current schedule and any existing court orders. Nothing needs to be complete or organized. Partial information is still useful.
How long does a first consultation usually take?: Plan on about an hour. That is enough time to walk through the facts, identify the issues that will actually drive the outcome, and give a candid read on where the case is likely to land.
Do I have to decide anything at the consultation?: No. A consultation is an assessment, not a commitment. Many people book one while they are still deciding whether to move forward at all.
What questions should I ask a divorce attorney?: Ask who will actually handle the day-to-day work on your file, how the firm communicates and how quickly, how fees are billed and what typically drives them up, what the realistic range of outcomes looks like on your facts, and what the first ninety days would involve.

What to Bring to Your First Family Law Consultation