how to talk to your divorce attorney

by Prof. Laurie Abernathy 8 min read

Tell your spouse you think your relationship has been deteriorating, and ask his/her opinion. Discuss divorce in the context of mediation which will permit the family to work with a third party who will facilitate healthy, progressive discussions in a compassionate, non-threatening environment.

Full Answer

Can a divorce lawyer talk about my case in public?

Don’t take it personally if your attorney can’t talk to you when you randomly call or show up at their office. Don’t take it personal if they are short with you on the phone. Find out by email, their assistant or by scheduling a time to talk with them when they have time to talk with you.

Should I retain a lawyer for my divorce?

Apr 10, 2019 · Acknowledge that the conversation may be awkward, or that your frame of mind is such that you may not absorb all of the information coming at you during the initial consultation. Getting it out of your mind and out into the open is cathartic. Above all else don’t keep secrets from your lawyer. Believe it or not, this is a common mistake.

Can you come to an agreement in a divorce at any time?

May 08, 2019 · What every person should know before talking to a divorce attorney. Making the call and scheduling an appointment to talk to a divorce attorney takes a lot of courage. It takes a lot of courage to acknowledge that your marriage is in a difficult place, that you are ready for a change, and that gathering information about the legal implications of a divorce is something …

How often should I contact my divorce attorney?

Divorce is rough for all parties, but an experienced divorce attorney can guide you through the process to ensure your financial security. A good attorney can smoothly handle the initial exchange of documents and beginning discovery phase of the divorce and help spot problems before they emerge.

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What should I talk to my divorce lawyer about?

Main Issues to Discuss with Your Divorce AttorneyIssues Relating to Children. ____ Child support. ... Property Issues. ____ Equity in homestead. ... Spousal Support Issues. ____ Entitlement to support. ... Other Issues. ____ Domestic violence. ... Documents to Have Ready.Nov 24, 2018

What should you ask for in a divorce?

Considerations to Make About What to Ask for in a Divorce SettlementMarital Home. ... Life Insurance and Health Insurance Policies. ... Division of Debt. ... Private School Tuition and College Tuition. ... Family Heirlooms and Jewelry. ... Parenting Time. ... Retirement Funds.

Why moving out is the biggest mistake in a divorce?

One of the most significant ways moving out can influence your divorce is when it comes to child custody. If you move out, it means you don't spend as much time with your kids. Not only can this harm your relationship, but it can also damage your custody claim.Mar 31, 2021

How do I ask for divorce peacefully?

There's no single “right” answer when asking for a divorce, but with preparation, you can make a tough conversation go a little more smoothly:Prepare Yourself. ... Choose A Suitable Place and Time. ... Keep Your Cool for Your Kids. ... Be Gentle, But Firm. ... Listen to Their Perspective. ... Be Understanding and Empathetic.More items...•Dec 19, 2019

Legal Experience

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One of the most important questions to ask any attorney you are considering hiring is their practical law experience. Some of the best questions to ask include how much of their practice is dedicated to family law, and how many cases they have taken to trial? This information is essential, as you need to ensure you hire the rig…
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How Involved Will They Be in Your Case?

  • Attorneys are busy. So it’s likely they will not be exclusively dealing with your divorce case. Often, lawyers rely on a team of paralegals, researchers, and legal secretaries to assist them with cases. By asking how much of your case an attorney handles themselves, you won’t be surprised later on during the trial.
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What Youcan Expect

  • While there can be many variables when it comes to divorce proceedings, most experienced attorneys should be able to provide you with a good idea of what to expectfrom your case. From child custody and support, alimony and division of assets, a knowledgeable lawyer can help you understand what the most likely outcomes are, based upon state.
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Do They Prefer to Reach A Resolution Outside The Courtroom Or Go to Trial?

  • When choosing an attorney, it is crucial to understand what their preferred course of action is when it concerns divorce. While many may believe the best option is to choose an aggressive lawyer, this may not necessarily be the case depending on your circumstances. Be sure to talk with your attorney about whether you wish to work towards an amicable agreement or not, as ce…
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What Is Your Fee Structure? How Do You Bill time?

  • Although an attorney may not be able to provide you with an exact cost for their services, they should be able to give you an understanding of how their fee structure works ahead of time. Often, law firms operate on an hourly fee or an up-front retainer, though some law firms may operate on a flat-fee for uncontested proceedings. While discussing money can be uncomfortable for some…
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