If you are seeking a divorce in Orange County, California and are meeting with your attorney for the first time there are several types of information you need to prepare. Most likely your attorney will have a form for you to fill out and will oftentimes go through it with you. However, the purpose of this article is to give you advance warning of the types of documentation and information you'll need during your client consultation. I have also included a link to a Judicial Council Form provided by the Superior Court of Orange County that many attorneys use.

You will need the following types of information:

1. Personal: All social security numbers, and dates of: (1) birth, (2) marriage, and (3) separation;

2. Property: Family Residence and who owns it (or leases), mortgage or rent amount, loan balance, source of funds for purchase and mortgage payments, value of home, other Real Estate, household furnishing and approximate value, automobiles, life insurance, bank accounts, safe deposit boxes, pensions, assets of children, other assets, and a description of whether the above is separate property;

3. Obligations: debts- including date incurred, purpose, due date, and terms of repayment.

4. Income: Include: Employer, occupation, monthly income, withholdings, if not working include a reason, and include exemptions. Provide same for spouse.

5. Liquid Assets: Checking accounts, cash, life insurance, stocks, and bonds.

6. Monthly expenses: a laundry list of information contained on the link below. Be sure to visit and peruse as this list is extensive.

Organizing your case now will save you time and money. If you provide your information to your attorney in concise, efficient, organized manner it will greatly reduce the time he or she will need to spend doing the same. He will be able to focus on other important aspects of the case.