how to talk to an attorney about representing your divorce

by Alessandro Fisher 3 min read

Be actively involved in your case. Communicate with your divorce attorney and insist that they communicate with you. Being actively involved in your case will help you maintain a sense of control--when so much seems to be spinning out of control--and help you make informed decisions about your divorce and your future.

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What are the best questions to ask a divorce lawyer?

attorney should dial *67 to block the identity of the attorney returning your call on your Caller ID, and (iii) whether it is okay to leave a message if you are not available to answer the call. When leaving a message for the attorney, try to provide a number at …

How to find a good divorce lawyer?

So, it is in your best interest to dig a bit deeper. Check reviews on other sites, look up their Better Business Bureau rating ,then give them a call. 2. Ask the Right Questions Most divorce lawyers offer a free consultation. Their consultation is your opportunity to ask important questions. Some of the more important questions to ask include:

What to ask a divorce lawyer?

May 08, 2019 · The confidentiality shared in the attorney-client relationship is important to your attorney’s ability to be your best advocate, and counselor in the divorce process. This is a “no judgment” zone. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing this kind of information with your divorce attorney, you may want to consider that this may not be the best attorney for your case. KNOW …

What to take to a divorce consultation?

Dec 30, 2019 · By Jeff Anderson. Sometimes, people start a divorce by going to a lawyer, paying a retainer, and signing a contract to start with the divorce proceedings. O thers may s pe a k to an attorney and then go home to ga ther all the necessary documents to plan for the divorce. If you suspect that your spouse might be doing some planning, here are some signs to help you …

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What is the advantage of an uncontested divorce?

The biggest advantage to an uncontested divorce is that it allows both parties to finish the divorce process at a quicker, less expensive rate. If you and your spouse have mutually agreed to go your separate ways, do not have many assets to divide, or have otherwise agreed on how everything will work post-dissolution, self-representation is likely a good, cost-effective option. However, midway through the process, you may end up disagreeing on the division of assets and responsibilities. At this point, your case may require the intervention of both an experienced attorney and a family court judge.

How long does spousal support last?

The amount of spousal support, or alimony, to which a spouse is entitled may increase significantly after a couple has been married for 7 or 10 years, depending on the divorce laws in your jurisdiction. Accordingly, if the marriage lasted around a decade or more at the time of dissolution, it's in your best interest to seek legal aid.

Is self representation required in divorce?

In many no-fault divorce cases where everything is agreed upon via settlement agreement, there may not be a hearing or court appearance required at all.

What to do if a conflict arises?

If a conflict arises, be prepared with sufficient, well-documented evidence of your position (with copies for all parties involved), as well as prepared statement on your position for the court to consider. If the issue involves witnesses, make sure they are also prepared ahead of time and served with subpoenas.

What is fault based divorce?

Fault-based divorce is when one spouse committed an act that gives legal justification to the ending of the marriage. These acts include adultery, a felony conviction, cruelty, or desertion.

How much does a divorce cost?

Contested divorces cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000, though there are plenty of ways to limit the staunch the outward flow of cash before and during the process.

Do divorce lawyers charge by the hour?

Divorce lawyers often charge by the hour. If you take responsibility for being as organized as possible, not only are you likely to walk away from your marriage with a more acceptable outcome, you'll probably save some money too.

What does it mean to be uncontested in divorce?

An uncontested divorce means that you and your spouse agree child custody, spousal support, child support, visitation, and division of property. If you find that there is no need to fight over these things, you've already saved yourself thousands of dollars.

How to start a divorce?

One of the best and simplest ways to do that is to start a divorce file. In this file, keep every bit of paper that could have an effect on how your divorce proceedings. Gather copies of all important financial documents and access to all account information. Keep it organized and easy to navigate.

Is divorce law firm bigger than solo practice?

In any industry, the larger a company is, the bigger volume it's doing. Divorce law firms are no different, prompting many people to seek a solo practitioner who is more invested in the outcome of your case. Paradoxically, however, if the solo practitioner does not have adequate support staff in his or her office, your case may end up not getting the attention and care you were promised.

What is mediation in divorce?

Mediation is a process whereby you and your spouse sit down with a neutral third party to negotiate several important areas of divorce. It's a low-cost way to address practically any other disagreement you and your spouse may have. While the mediator's decision is not binding, it allows a neutral party to provide their perspective on how divorce related issues should be addressed. However, mediation can only be a useful tool if you and your spouse can come to an broad agreement.

What to know before a divorce?

It is possible to go through the divorce process and stay true to the values and character traits that are important to you. You do not have to become an angry hostile person out for vengeance.

Who is Jennifer Hargrave?

Jennifer Stanton Hargrave is an experienced family trial attorney , and is especially skilled at helping clients construct creative settlement agreements, and the owner of Hargrave Family Law. Jennifer knows in family law, there are battles that need to be fought, yet every divorce does not need to end in warfare. Jennifer is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and a member of the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, the Dallas Bar Family Law Section and the Collaborative Law Institute of Texas. Jennifer is also married to Jeffrey for over twenty years, and the mother to three children.

Is a perfect marriage a perfect marriage?

The “perfect marriage” isn’t perfect and there is no perfect spouse. Be leery of anyone portraying a perfect marriage. The very best marriages are still made up of two flawed people just trying to figure it all out. Even relationship therapists who have good marriages, frequently have hard marriages.

Who is Kim Bowen?

Deciding whether or not to get divorced will be one of the hardest decisions you’ll ever make. Kim Bowen, the founder of The Marriage Place , shares some tools and insights to help you determine if…

What do divorce lawyers do?

A talented divorce lawyer will help you manage divorce's complex emotions. Your divorce lawyer is not your therapist and will not tell you how you should cope with the issues. For that, you need a psychologist or a counselor. However, your divorce lawyer should advise you when your decisions are very bad ones and, unless you change the course, can send you down a dangerous road.

Is fear the same as concern?

Fear is not the same as concern. Fear is not the same as anxiety. When divorcing a husband who is a lawyer or a husband of any profession, anxiety and concern is normal. It is part of the divorce process and I don't know any spouse who goes into a divorce joyful and content.

What to do if husband refuses to disclose divorce?

Disclosures are one of the most important parts of any divorce case. If your husband refuses to make proper disclosures, you must, through your own attorney, put him on notice of the defects and mandate that he make proper, accurate and complete disclosures.

Can I go through divorce alone?

No matter what your situation, you will not go through it alone. Retaining a knowledgeable and experienced divorce lawyer will go a long way in helping ease the transition from marriage to separation and from separation to divorcing your lawyer husband.

What is the best way to get divorced?

Mediation involves a neutral attorney who helps couples reach an agreement in a divorce. The mediator doesn’t represent either spouse and can’t give legal advice. Instead, mediators help couples identify the issues that need to be resolved and create an agreement that comports with the law.

Can a divorce lawyer represent you?

But, the spouse who hires or “retains” the lawyer is the lawyer’s client. If you are the unrepresented spouse, be aware that the lawyer preparing the divorce agreement doesn’t represent you and cannot give you legal advice. One attorney may be enough for couples with simple divorces, but make sure you understand your legal rights if you’re ...

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