When facing divorce, emotions run high and it is not always easy or even possible to keep a clear head. By referring to the following checklist, you can help ensure that you and your attorney cover all of the bases, address all of your concerns, and answer all of your questions.

• Issues Relating to Children

  ____ Child support

  ____ Child custody, legal

  ____ Child custody, physical

  ____ Visitation with non-custodial parent

  ____ Grandparent visitation

  ____ Visitation with stepchildren

  ____ Health insurance for children

  ____ Dental insurance for children

  ____ Uninsured health care costs

  ____ College education

  ____ Residence in the marital homestead

  ____ Beneficiaries of life insurance policies

  ____ Claiming children as dependents for income tax purposes

  ____ Religious upbringing of children

• Property Issues

  ____ Equity in homestead

  ____ Other real property

  ____ Home furnishings

  ____ Business assets

  ____ Professional practices

  ____ Professional degrees

  ____ Retirement benefits (pensions, IRAs, 401(k) plans)

  ____ Motor vehicles

  ____ Recreational vehicles

  ____ Personal property

  ____ Savings accounts

  ____ Stocks, bonds, and funds

  ____ Compensation for contributions as homemaker

  ____ Hidden assets

  ____ Debts

• Spousal Support Issues

  ____ Entitlement to support

  ____ How much?

  ____ How long?

  ____ Continued health care coverage through COBRA

• Other Issues

  ____ Domestic violence

  ____ Order for protection

  ____ Child abuse

  ____ Parental kidnapping

  ____ Restoration of maiden name

  ____ Post-divorce nonfinancial support

  ____ Attorney's fees and expenses