what is the point of process consultation with a divorce lawyer

If you are contemplating a divorce, one of your first steps should be to set up an initial consultation with a lawyer to discuss your personal circumstances and explore the options you may have available. In order to get the most out of your consultation, you will want to come prepared.

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What happens at a divorce consultation?

Jun 14, 2019 · 1. Get Educated: Ask Questions about Divorce. Every situation is unique. A productive initial divorce consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your divorce issues and understand what a post-divorce life may look like. Typical divorce issues include division of assets and liabilities, child custody, child support, and spousal support.

What happens during a consultation with a lawyer?

As far as the free consultation with a divorce lawyer in this regard, you may want to discuss the finances of the marriage, providing any pay stubs, bank account statements, and the like if the …

Is the divorce process the same for every lawyer?

Jan 14, 2021 · Regardless of what you bring to your divorce consultation don’t forget why you are in a divorce attorney’s office in the first place: (1) to get information about divorce in your …

What is a consultation and how can it help me?

Nov 15, 2017 · by Carrie Schultz, Matrimonial Law Attorney. If you are contemplating a divorce, one of your first steps should be to set up an initial consultation with a lawyer to discuss your …

Is it a good idea to talk to a lawyer about divorce?

If you’ve made up your mind and there’s no alternative but divorce, talking to at least a few lawyers is always a good idea. The first consultation is usually always free, so you’ve got nothing to lose. But, you can gain a lot of information during attorney interviews if you head into the conversation armed with the right questions.

Can you represent yourself in divorce?

Most states allow individuals to represent themselves in the divorce process. And, it’s more common than you think: 80 percent of divorces involve at least one party representing themselves. Lots of people go this route – which means you can, too.

7 Tips To Help You Prepare For An Initial Consultation With a Divorce Lawyer

When most people picture a divorce, they picture a messy, complicated, and expensive process that involves both spouses airing their grievances in court. But, the reality is that relatively few divorces follow this path.

About the Author

Carrie S. Schultz, Esq. is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney and practices exclusively in the area of Divorce and Family Law and is the founder of Schultz & Associates, a Bergen County family law firm that represents spouses in amicable and complex high-net-worth divorces.

How can a divorce attorney help you?

Luckily, divorce attorneys can help alleviate some of your legal and financial stresses by advocating for a division of property that works in your favor. If you've decided to retain a divorce attorney, you can help save your attorney time (and save yourself some money) by gathering important legal and financial documents together ...

What is the most contentious aspect of divorce?

Dividing up property a couple has acquired throughout their marriage (also known as marital property) can be one of the most contentious aspects of divorce. Luckily, divorce attorneys can help alleviate some of your legal and financial stresses by advocating for a division of property that works in your favor.

Is divorce complicated?

Divorce is complicated -- legally, financially, and emotionally. Dividing up property a couple has acquired throughout their marriage (also known as marital property) can be one of the most contentious aspects of divorce. Luckily, divorce attorneys can help alleviate some of your legal and financial stresses by advocating for a division ...

How long does it take to respond to a divorce petition?

As with any type of lawsuit, you have a specific period of time during which you may respond. In most jurisdictions, the respondent, or defendant, has 30 days to respond.

What should be included in a divorce petition?

The divorce petition should also include the reasons or grounds for seeking the dissolution of the marriage. Most often, irreconcilable differences are cited, and the matter is treated as a no-fault divorce. However, if a specific event has prompted the petitioner to seek divorce, it may be outlined in the petition.

What is the first step in divorce?

The first step in the divorce process is typically to file a petition for divorce or legal separation. The petition should also include a summons that must be simultaneously served to the other party.

What is the process of ending a divorce?

Generally, however, the process begins when one spouse, called the petitioner, files for divorce. Papers are served to the other spouse, who is named the respondent thereafter on all official documents. This article will outline the key elements of ending a divorce, such as answering the divorce petition, temporary hearing protocol ...

Do you have to go to court for divorce?

While many divorces are resolved without a trial, some couples have to appear in court or even go through an appeals process. The length of time that it takes to process a divorce case depends significantly on the state and local area in which it is filed.

What is the jurisdiction of a divorce?

Jurisdiction in a divorce case is generally based on the residency of the party that files and serves the divorce petition first. If both parties reside in the same area, there will be no question about where the case will be handled.

What is the first part of a marriage?

The first part outlines basic facts about the involved parties and their marriage, including: Names, ages and other identifying information about the involved parties. Names, ages and other identifying information of children from the marriage. Assets and debts that have accrued during the course of the marriage.

Why do lawyers offer free consultations?

Most lawyers offer a free consultation so that you have a chance to determine if he or she is the right person for you. Going to the first meeting with some simple questions can help you ensure you find the right person for the legal help you need. You will not get much legal advice at this consult since it is not meant to resolve your legal ...

What is a meeting with a lawyer?

Meeting with a lawyer for an initial consultation is generally not a chance to ask legal questions that are in depth, but is instead an opportunity to get a sense as to whether this lawyer is the right one to handle your case. Use this meeting to help you decide which lawyer will be the best one for your case.

What to ask a lawyer about a case?

An important question to ask a lawyer is what the strategy for your case will be and the outcome the lawyer expects. You’ll want to get details on what kind of procedures to expect. Ask how long it will take for the entire case to be resolved. Discuss the legal strategies that will be used. Find out if your attorney will attempt to settle and if mediation or arbitration are options. Think about the answers and if you are comfortable with them. Maybe you want to avoid a trial at all costs but your attorney really wants to just go to trial, or perhaps you have no intention of settling and want your day in court. It is important that your lawyer’s strategy lines up with your needs.

Why is it important to meet with a small business attorney?

Meeting with a small business attorney is an important way to get your business off to a good start and minimize future risks. Here are questions to ask at your first meeting.

What is a legal consultation?

In short, a legal consultation is an initial meeting with an attorney that takes place before you make the decision on whether to hire that attorney to represent you in your particular legal matter. Further, the attorney will also use the consultation in order to determine if they can legally and competently represent you based on ...

How to consult with an attorney?

Before consulting with an attorney you should make sure that you properly prepare for the consultation by gathering any and all documents that are relevant to your case. It is important to bring every document you have for the attorney to review, as they will be able to properly determine which documents are relevant, and which are not. Documents that you should bring with you may include any of the following: 1 Contracts: If your claim arose from a contract dispute, then you should bring copies of the contract and any documents explaining the contract; 2 Police or Accident Reports: If possible, you should bring any police or accident report that was created as a result of the incident you were involved in; 3 Property Deeds: If your claim involves a property dispute, you should be sure to bring a copy of the deed or any documents relating to the property, such as an oil and gas lease, etc.; 4 Employment Records: If you claim is an employment dispute, then you should bring all of your employment records, such as your employment contract, employment agreements, or timesheets; or 5 Other Documents Evidencing Damages: Other important documents to bring include any evidence of damages, such as medical records or expenses, or any warranties or letters created by the party you are trying to sue.

What is legal advice?

Legal advice is advice given to a person that seeks the advice from an attorney, the advice given pertains to matters within the attorney’s competence, and the attorney expressly or impliedly agrees to give advice or their assistance in the matter. If such legal advice is given an implied attorney-client relationship may be formed between you ...