what questions should i have for a divorce lawyer

by Prof. Theresa Considine 5 min read

Ten Questions to Ask a Divorce Attorney
  • Do you specialize in divorces, or are divorces just a part of your practice? ...
  • What is your strategy for my case? ...
  • How long do you take to return phone calls? ...
  • Will anyone else in your office be working on my case? ...
  • How will you charge me?

What qualities make a good divorce attorney?

Apr 10, 2021 · The first questions to ask a divorce lawyer during initial consultation is about how does divorce work. 1. How Does Divorce Work? It’s okay to wonder how does a divorce work. Your divorce lawyer should take the time to thoroughly answer this for you. This will give you an idea of what to expect when you are filing for divorce. 2.

How do I know if my divorce lawyer is good?

The divorce attorney should tell you whether you have the kind of case that may require a forensic accountant's help. For alimony purposes, forensic accountants help divorce attorneys determine controllable cash flow available for support. Controllable cash flow is …

What should you look for in a divorce attorney?

Feb 11, 2022 · Ask These Questions When Hiring Your Lawyer Do You Specialize In Divorce And Other Family Law Issues? How Many Divorce Cases Have You Handled? How Would You Approach My Situation? Do You Have Any Network For Assistance With The Case? How Much The Case Might Cost? What Else Should I Do Now To Safeguard Myself? Conclusion

What does it take to become a divorce lawyer?

Jan 14, 2021 · First, ask yourself: Are you sure you actually need an attorney? 1. Ask them to describe their approach to the divorce process. Each lawyer you speak to should have a slightly different... 2. Ask about communication. How will they check in with you throughout the process? As you’re interviewing ...

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What can a divorce attorney do for you?

An experienced and knowledgeable divorce attorney will provide you with the tools to communicate better with your spouse. These tools include how to communicate with your spouse, when to communicate with your spouse and how to diffuse conflict.

How to plan your life after a divorce?

If you want to plan your life after a divorce, you should at least have a general idea of how long divorces similar to yours take. This planning will also help you prepare a budget for the cost of divorce. The attorney should truthfully tell you there is no way to predict exactly how long a divorce will take.

What is spousal support?

Spousal support, also called alimony, is either temporary or ordered at the final judgment. Most divorce cases include both temporary spousal support and spousal support at the judgment phase. We are not going to go into a lengthy discussion about spousal support.

What is the goal of hiring an attorney?

For many women, the ‘goal’ of hiring an attorney may simply be “get me outta this marriage!” But honing in on what you want your life to look like after the divorce dust has settled can be a useful tool for identifying how you want to work through the process of ending your marriage.

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.

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.

What should an attorney do in court?

Your attorney should handle the significant parts of the work and oversee everyone else helping on the case. It may be a red flag if the entire situation is handed to a non-attorney. Your attorney, or an attorney designated for court appearances, should be the one who appears in court for you or with you.

What should an attorney be able to explain?

An attorney should be able to easily explain the different legal areas they handle. Family law should be one of their main areas. You can look up every attorney on your state's board website to see their years of experience or any disciplinary action in the past.

How much money do I need to get divorced?

The attorney you choose should be able to listen to details about your case and give you a ballpark estimate. Average divorces in the U.S. need about $15,000. Amicable exes without children or complex assets will probably be able to get a divorce faster and cheaper.

How long does it take to get divorced?

You can expect the divorce process to take anywhere from 60 days on up. Amicable divorces can move quickly if both parties are in agreement on terms. Some states force you to take 30-60 days between filing and the process beginning. Average divorces in the U.S. take from four to 11 months.

How long is a free initial consultation?

The initial consultation is often a free 30-minute phone call where you explain the situation, and they talk about how they can help you.

Here are the top fifteen interview questions to ask a divorce attorney

There are many different questions to ask a divorce lawyer. You should always interview several divorce lawyers before choosing one, and bring some questions with you to your first meeting. This guide will help.

Here are the top fifteen interview questions to ask a divorce lawyer

What areas of law do you practice? This will ensure the lawyer actually specializes in divorce and family law. Lawyers that practice in multiple areas of the law probably do not have the requisite expertise you need.

What does a divorce mediator do?

As a divorce mediator, she provides clients with strategies and resources that enable them to power through a time of adversity. Divorce is a huge step, and how it's handled can have lasting impacts on the rest of your life. No matter which side you're on, it's wise to seek experienced legal representation.

What is collaborative divorce?

A collaborative divorce could end with you and your ex on good enough terms to be friendly with one another. While keeping your divorce out of the courts may sound ideal, you may need to take it to trial.

Do lawyers charge by the hour?

Like tutors and therapists, most lawyers charge by the hour, so make sure you know what you're getting into financially before signing anything. You may be able to comfortably pay for the retainer fee, but not the hourly rate, so make sure you ask for a total cost breakdown. 19 of 26.

Is divorce a big step?

Divorce is a huge step, and how it's handled can have lasting impacts on the rest of your life. No matter which side you're on, it's wise to seek experienced legal representation. If you've never been divorced before, the process may feel scary and uncomfortable, so before hiring a divorce attorney, you should do your research to ensure you're ...

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