Going through a divorce is incredibly stressful, especially if you and your spouse are at odds. You've probably spent months being unhappy, stressed, and fighting before making the decision to file for divorce. The prospect may be overwhelming if you don't know what to expect. The first step is to talk to a divorce attorney, who can help you decide if you're making the right choice. Here's what you can expect on your initial visit.

Be Forthright

You'll need to be completely honest with your divorce attorney, even if you are the one at fault for ruining your marriage. Your attorney has to know the best way to prepare your case. You also can't hide assets, possessions, or money from your attorney or spouse. When you go in for your initial visit with the attorney, take your financial records along. Let the attorney get a realistic picture of your finances and debts. Share your intentions about custody of your children. If you try to hide anything, it could come back to haunt you if it comes out in court later.

Learn The Laws

The most important thing you'll learn is how your state's laws will affect your divorce. Each state is different, so you can't rely on what happened in a friend's divorce. Instead, you need to talk to a local divorce attorney, who can give you an idea of what will happen to the division of your assets and the custody of your children. You want a realistic view of what is to come. This will give you time to prepare. If you rely on your spouse's income, you may need to find a job, save some money, or establish credit before you sever ties.

Consider Negotiations

Your attorney may encourage you to exhaust all means to save your marriage if you still have young children. If you're certain your marriage can't be saved, your attorney may still encourage you to make amends with your spouse, so the divorce can proceed amicably. If your spouse is bitter and set on revenge, your divorce proceedings will be one long struggle. Of course, there are situations where you may need to get out of your marriage fast, and your attorney may be able to connect you with social services that can help you, so you and your kids are safe until you can get a new life established. Otherwise, the better you and you spouse are at negotiating, the smoother your divorce will go.

You should leave your initial consultation with a divorce attorney feeling more at ease with your decision. You should at least know the things you need to get in order before you file for divorce. Although the experience may be drawn out and stressful, eventually it will be over and you can build a new life that's free from marital strife and problems. For more information, contact Madison Law Firm PLLC or a similar organization.