Your First Divorce Consultation at Apex Law: What to Expect

A useful first divorce consultation starts with your priorities, the status of the case, and the records that explain both. You do not need every answer, but a short timeline and organized documents help the attorney focus on the decisions ahead.

Choose the right first step

Apex Law offers a 30-minute telephone consultation for $200. The fee is credited toward your balance if you hire the firm. This is the option for discussing your circumstances and questions by phone.

If you and your spouse have already agreed on all divorce terms, you may instead request a free uncontested-divorce paper evaluation. Complete the form, describe the agreement, and identify any children or existing orders. The firm will identify the papers needed to assess fit and scope. A paper evaluation is separate from a paid telephone consultation.

What to have ready

• Case status: what has been filed, the county, case number, service date, upcoming hearings, and deadlines.

• Court papers: complaints, summonses, temporary orders, existing judgments, and relevant agreements.

• Basic facts: marriage and separation dates, where each spouse lives, and information about minor children.

• Finances: income information and a preliminary list of property, accounts, retirement benefits, mortgages, loans, and other debts.

• Your priorities: the issues that matter most and what is already agreed or disputed.

Tell the firm about military service, a case in another state, and any urgent safety concern. Use our divorce paperwork checklist for more preparation guidance. Ask the firm how to send sensitive documents.

Questions to discuss

The attorney can assess the information provided, identify issues requiring further review, explain potential next steps, and discuss the proposed scope of representation. A short consultation may not resolve every question, particularly when documents are missing or there are complex retirement, custody, or jurisdiction issues.

• Does the case appear agreed or contested?

• Which deadlines need immediate attention?

• What additional records are needed?

• What services would the engagement cover?

• What attorney fees and court expenses should I plan for?

Discuss the fee arrangement

For qualifying agreed cases, Apex Law’s flat-fee divorce service is $1,000 without minor children and without post-judgment issues, or $1,300 with minor children, plus filing fees. Full agreement is required before drafting, and up to two minor revisions are included.

Contested work, more than two minor revisions, modifications, enforcement, and complicated retirement orders require separate consideration and may involve a separate retainer and hourly agreement. Ask about covered tasks, excluded work, expenses, payment arrangements, and communication expectations. The written engagement controls the representation.

Who is the client?

The firm represents the spouse who retains it, not both spouses. Identify who seeks representation when requesting an appointment. The other spouse may obtain independent advice. See our guide to separate representation in an agreed divorce.

Before the call ends

Confirm your next action, documents to send, and time-sensitive steps. Requesting or attending a consultation does not extend a court deadline or mean the firm has accepted ongoing representation. Representation begins after acceptance and agreement on the engagement terms.

Book your divorce telephone consultation or review our divorce and custody services. Apex Law serves Alabama from Huntsville and Birmingham; office visits are by appointment only.