what to ask at a consultation with a divorse lawyer

What should I ask my divorce attorney at initial consultations?

Mar 02, 2019 · Your chosen divorce attorney will need to review financial and other papers and information to counsel you properly. At initial consultations, consider asking your potential attorneys the questions below as they pertain to your situation. However, don’t wait until your meetings to start preparing for divorce. Experience

What should I expect from my divorce attorney?

Communication File security and access References and reviews Delegation of responsibility Cost of divorce Reasonable expectations Your living arrangements Temporary orders Child custody and parenting time Spousal support Child support Attorney's fees requests Divorce process Community and separate property Contested versus uncontested issues

Should I talk to a divorce lawyer?

Ask about the procedures and see if you can get an estimate of how long the divorce process will take. While nothing is set in stone, there is a difference between three …

Is it proper to ask a divorce attorney for a first impression?

Feb 07, 2021 · So, the very first thing that you’ll need to ask is what they need to know about you and the situation you are in. By doing so, the lawyer will gather all the crucial information, meaning that they’ll be able to assist you better. Keep in mind, you’ll want to be completely honest since it can make or break your entire case. 2.

How to get divorced from a friend?

If your divorced friends were satisfied with their legal representation, you could ask them for their lawyer’s contact details. Keep in mind that each case is unique. Just because your friend got a good settlement, it doesn’t guarantee your outcome will be similar.

Can a divorce lawyer give you a conclusive answer?

Remember that a lawyer won’t be able to give you conclusive answers based only on the information you provide at a first meeting. Your chosen divorce attorney will need to review financial and other papers and information to counsel you properly.

Why is it important to ask a divorce attorney about their experience?

First, it will test the divorce attorney's knowledge and experience of the divorce process and divorce law. Second, it will educate you on what specifically the attorney can and will do with you to help mitigate the costs. Do not settle for a generic answer.

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.

What happens if an attorney cannot provide references to former clients?

If an attorney cannot provide you with multiple references to former clients, that attorney may not have much success representing clients. The former clients should also be types of cases similar to yours. I am not referring to you going through a divorce and getting a referral to a prior divorce client.

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 happens if an attorney does not have a solid command of the law?

If the attorney does not have a solid command of the law on these issues, he or she may lack the experience you need. This is especially true if you expect your divorce to be contested and high conflict. Questions to ask a divorce attorney on the first visit about the divorce process. 1.

What should an attorney explain to you?

The attorney should explain to you the importance of the attorney - client relationship and the privilege in communications. The attorney should explain to you how and why you should not disclose attorney - client communications to any third parties or your spouse. This is a complex topic.

How often do attorneys communicate?

The more complex the case, the more the communication will likely take place. A typical case has communication between one to four times per month.

What do attorneys work with?

Most attorneys work with support staff, including paralegals, legal assistants, and legal secretaries. Ask any potential attorney who else will be working on the case and what credentials they have. It is your right to ask for specifics as to who will handle certain parts of your case.

When is Laura Shapiro divorce?

Laura E. Shapiro on Aug 28, 2020. The divorce process is not the time to try to navigate the family law system on your own. Divorce is stressful and overwhelming enough. You need an experienced attorney to lead you through it.

Why is it important to have an open line of communication with an attorney?

An open line of communication is key to a successful case and satisfaction with your attorney. You may need to get in touch with them on short notice, so asking about their communication preferences is important.

Is family law a general practice?

Family law is a highly specialized area of law. Avoid hiring a general practice attorney and instead, opt for one who specializes in family law, particularly divorces. If you have child you should also ask about their experience with child custody and child support.

Fees

Divorce lawyers wors based on a particular fee structure. They often require payment along the way, before the divorce is finalized. Some charge monthly retainer fees.

Experience

While obviously a lawyer who has more experience will probably get you better results, many younger lawyers are highly skilled and knowledgeable, as well. They should have experience settling cases and taking them to court if needed. They should also be knowledgeable about alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and arbitration.

Methods for Resolving Cases

Each attorney has his or her own preference. Some prefer to settle cases as quickly as possible, while others are willing to negotiate and take the case to court if necessary. Your best bet is to choose someone who is open to exploring various methods to resolve your case in the way you want it to be resolved. Mediation should be an option.

Communication

Communication is important between attorneys and clients. A good lawyer will offer multiple ways for you to communicate with them and their staff, such as by calling, texting, or emailing. Some are even available 24/7. You should be able to ask a question or get a status update without having to wait days for a reply.

Seek Legal Help

Choosing a divorce lawyer is not an easy task. Do not feel obligated to pick the first one you meet. You may be working with this lawyer for many months or even years, so it is important to find someone you can trust and with whom you feel comfortable. In the end, when choosing a lawyer, do not be afraid to trust your gut.

How long do you have to wait to hire a lawyer?

Now, you might need to hire a lawyer immediately if your spouse has already filed for a divorce, however, if you are the one thinking about filing it, you could wait for several days, weeks, or months before making a decision. If you want to hire a specific attorney, they’ll ...

Can you move right away?

Whether you’ll move or not will depend entirely on you , nonetheless, there are situations where your legal representative will advise you to either stay or move since it can influence your entire case. For example, in the cases of emotional or physical abuse, false allegations of violence, and so on, your attorney will probably tell you to move right away.

Is divorce expensive?

You probably already know that the entire process of getting a divorce is expensive, which is why most people worry about their finances. The expenses you’ll have will depend on a wide range of things including how complex your case is, whether there is custody of the kids involved, as well as how well you can work with your spouse during the divorce.

Is divorce stressful?

The entire process of getting a divorce is stressful, complex, and extremely difficult for all parties involved. However, by talking to your lawyer and asking them the aforementioned questions, they’ll be able to explain what you’ll have to expect during the process, as well as how it will look like.

Is it stressful to get divorced?

Getting a divorce is always extremely stressful for everyone involved, and the situation gets even more serious and daunting when there are children involved. So, if you are feeling uncertainty and denial as you prepare to meet with your divorce lawyer for the very first time, know that it is not unusual and that it happens to everyone.