Attorney
In his bestselling book The Checklist Manifesto, surgeon Atul Gawande argues that taking a step-by-step approach to complex problems is the only way to get through them.
He has helped create checklists breaking down each person’s role in his hospital’s operating rooms, not because his team doesn’t know what to do, but because avoiding mistakes, improving efficiency, and achieving the best possible results is a life-or-death matter.
While divorce isn’t quite as high-stakes, it is often just as complex—particularly if a couple has children or owns high-value or illiquid assets. Taking a systematic approach to divorce, starting with your first consultation with an attorney can help things run smoothly.
With that in mind, here is a check of the information you should bring and be prepared to discuss at your first meeting with Bob Matteucci and the rest of the Matteucci Family Law team.
First Things First: Define Your Goals
In The Checklist Manifesto, Gawande explains that checklists are more than just lists. They are a way to accomplish a specific purpose.
Your ultimate destination is obviously divorce, but the path you take to get there will be uniquely yours. Before your meeting with Attorney Bob Matteucci, take some time to think about how you want your case to proceed.
Ask yourself:
- What do I want my life to look like after my case is over?
- What would “winning” this case mean for me and my family?
- How much time, energy, and money can I realistically commit to the process?
These answers will guide your legal strategy. They will also help Bob evaluate whether the approach you envision is achievable, and if so, help him figure out how to get there.
Step Two: Gather Your Key Facts
Gawande’s surgical team doesn’t start cutting into people as soon as they walk in the OR. They start with the basics: confirming the patient’s identity, surgical site, and plan. Your first meeting with Bob will be similar, so show up ready to hand over:
- Basic information about you, your spouse, and your children (full names, ages, schools, medical history, military status).
- A summary of your income and expenses.
- A list of assets, debts, and property records.
- If a case is already filed, bring related court documents such as divorce petitions, custody agreements, or support orders.
If you need help gathering this information, that’s okay. Just bring what you can, and Bob and the rest of the Matteucci law team can help you fill in the gaps.
Next Up: Question & Answer Time
In The Checklist Manifesto, the team pauses before surgery to let everyone speak up. Whether it’s the senior surgeon or a junior nurse, anyone can raise concerns or ask questions they have. That open communication prevents costly errors. Your initial consultation with a divorce attorney should work the same way.
Write down every question you have, big or small. Ask about the timeline, the process, the strategy, or even how the firm will communicate with you. The more clarity you have, the more confidently you can move forward.
Serving Families with Dignity & Compassion
Even if your divorce is amicable, complexity can creep in—especially when you have children or own a business together. Following this short checklist ensures you can make the most of your first meeting with Bob and the rest of the Matteucci Family Law team. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.