How To Prepare for Your Divorce Consultation

Prepare for your divorce consultation to get the most out of your initial meeting. A consultation is a chance to talk to the attorney and determine if they are the right one for your case. Ask any questions to feel confident they are the right person to help you through this difficult process.

Divorce laws are different in every state. A local divorce attorney understands the state divorce laws and court rules and can best answer your essential questions. Contact an experienced divorce attorney to set up your divorce consultation.

Gathering Documentation for Divorce Consultation

Gather any relevant documentation before your initial divorce consultation. Documentation can depend on how far along you are in the divorce or separation. This includes financial documents, court notices, and divorce papers. If you have a prenuptial agreement, bring a copy. If your spouse has a history of domestic violence, bring any related police reports.

In a divorce, you and your spouse must decide how to divide all your shared property and liabilities. Records related to your financial situation can help your attorney answer questions about property division, alimony/spousal support, and child support. Financial documentation may include:

• Tax returns
• Pay stubs
• Bank statements
• Credit card statements
• Retirement accounts
• Mortgage statements

Questions to Ask Your Divorce Attorney

Write down a list of questions before you go in for your initial consultation. A list will help remind you of your most important questions. A list of questions can also keep you on track. Some examples of questions you may want to ask at the consultation include:

• What is your family law experience?
• Who will handle my case?
• How will you keep me up-to-date?
• Can I contact your office during evenings or weekends?
• What are your attorney fees?
• What are the possible outcomes of my divorce?
• Should I go through mediation?
• Can I contact you with any follow-up questions?

Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Divorce

Going through the divorce process is frustrating and stressful. Set realistic expectations to prepare yourself for the difficult road ahead. It will complicate the divorce if you and your spouse cannot agree on property division, child custody, or other legal issues. A contested divorce can take longer and cost more, and you may end up with results you are not happy with.

One of the most common complaints is how long it takes to get a divorce. Many delays are unavoidable because of state waiting periods, court backlogs, and scheduling conflicts. In a contested divorce, any disputes take time to resolve. Ask your attorney about the timeline for filing for divorce.

The family court makes many decisions based on the best interests of the child. It is disappointing to think your spouse gets more parenting time than they deserve. Unless the other parent represents a serious risk of harm or neglect, the court will tend to keep both parents involved in the child’s life.

Communicate with your lawyer about what you hope to get out of the divorce proceedings. You may want a lawyer who will fight to get all you can out of your divorce. Alternatively, keep a good relationship with your ex-spouse for the sake of your children. Your attorney needs to know about your expectations.

Understanding Your Legal Rights in Divorce

Some divorcing couples don’t talk to a lawyer before filing for divorce. Even if you can file for divorce on your own, consider talking to an attorney to understand your legal rights. Don’t rely on another person to explain what rights you do and don’t have. Each situation is different. Just because a friend or family member had one experience does not mean you will have the same.

With a divorce or legal separation, you have property rights in your marital assets. Marital assets include personal property, real estate, and financial accounts. Your spouse could hide assets to keep money and property out of the divorce. If a prenuptial agreement involves fraud or misrepresentation, it may be unenforceable.

Knowing your rights is vital if you have minor children together. You have the right to be a part of your child’s life. You also have the right to get financial support from the other parent if you raise your child. Only a lawyer can give professional legal advice about your rights in a divorce.

Finding the Right Divorce Lawyer

The right lawyer for a divorce is the person you feel confident will handle your case and fight for your legal rights. Feel free to ask the family lawyer any questions at your initial meeting. Your legal matters are confidential under the attorney-client privilege. Attorneys have a professional responsibility to keep your legal consultation private, even if you don’t hire them. The first meeting is your best chance to decide whether this is the person you want to guide you through the divorce process. Reach out to a local divorce attorney today to set up your initial divorce consultation.