Tips upon lawyer retention I'm alone and very naive, kids involved (and my biggest concern) but she's talking money first.

In the midst of "amicable" divorce. Stbx thinks we can do it ourselves. She makes 2x more than me and wants to buy me out of our home. I've interviewed 4 attorneys, on the sly, and I think I have one if/when this goes to crap.

I feel uneasy with her first home buyout offer and also her reaction to me pointing out objections to her offer. She's Pissed that I didn't want to move forward with this two days ago and today nice as pie. I'm going to retain the lawyer and I want to know how does this work once I retain? The lawyer I liked suggested working towards a martial settlement agreement but to then each retain a lawyer and skip mediation as that wastes money in the long run. Going to retain without tipping my hand. What are Best tips to maximize the billable hours? Is there a list of things to bring once I retain? Yes I am that alone and out of the loop, that I'm struggling to put the steps together.

I was thinking of using a first hour meeting to provide the necessary paperwork and then presenting her first buyout offer to get the lawyers thoughts/path forward.

Thanks in advance

Edit: Thank you to everyone who responded. Any further insights appreciated. Great info and knowledge I appreciate your insights. Thankful for this sub. It is a Life rope. Glad to know what I think is right is what I should be thinking.