questions to ask when interviewing a divorce attorney

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 ...
• What geographical area and courts do you cover? This will ensure the lawyer is familiar with the judges in your district.
• What experience do you have with divorce cases? This will ensure the lawyer knows how to handle a divorce case from start to finish and your case is ...
• How will you help me resolve my divorce case? This will ensure you “fit” with the lawyer. Do they want to be aggressive or are the settlement-minded?

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What you should know before contacting a divorce attorney?

Apr 20, 2017 · 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... What geographical area and courts do you cover? This will ensure the lawyer is familiar with the judges in ...

How to evaluate a good divorce attorney?

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 ...

What to look for in a good 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

What qualities make a good divorce attorney?

1. Do you specialize in divorces, or are divorces just a part of your practice? How long have you been practicing family... 2. What is your strategy for my case? How long will it take to resolve my case? 3. How long do you take to return phone calls? How do I get a hold of you if there is an ...

What do I need to know before hiring a divorce lawyer?

Ten Questions to Ask a Divorce AttorneyDo 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?More items...

What are some interview questions for divorce?

15 Interview Questions to Ask a Divorce LawyerWhat areas of law do you practice? ... What geographical area and courts do you cover? ... What experience do you have with divorce cases? ... How will you help me resolve my divorce case? ... What accreditations do you have? ... Have you ever taught a family law legal seminar?More items...•Feb 5, 2017

What are some good questions to ask an attorney?

In Order to Move Forward With Any Lawyer, First Ask These Ten QuestionsHow Long Have You Practiced Law? ... What Types of Cases Do You Manage? ... Who's Your Typical Client? ... How Many Similar Cases Have You Taken On? ... What Kind of Special Training or Knowledge You Have Outside Your Law Degree? ... What Are Your Fees and Costs?More items...

How is Annulment different from divorce?

If marriage is essentially a contract, the difference between an annulment and a divorce is the difference between declaring the contract null—because, say, it was signed under conditions of duress or fraud—and terminating it. In the case of marriage, declaring the contract null is a far more difficult proposition.Jun 25, 2015

What do you understand by divorce?

A divorce is a formal ending of a marriage. It's more permanent than a separation and involves a legal process. If you get a divorce, that means the marriage is officially over. Divorce has both a noun and a verb form.

How do you answer a law question in an interview?

Below are some common legal interview questions—plus suggestions on how to approach them.Tell me a little about yourself. ... What attracted you to our firm/organization? ... Can you describe a challenge or conflict you have faced at work and how you overcame it? ... What is your biggest weakness? ... Do you have any questions for us?Mar 20, 2021

What is a good question to ask a judge?

Good questions to ask the judge include the following:“How do you like being a judge?”“How did you decide to become a judge?”“What was the most important thing that helped you become a judge?”“What do you expect from your clerks?”“What are you looking for in clerkship applicants?”“What is your mentorship style?”More items...

How do you answer a lawyer question?

Listen carefully to the questions you are asked. If you don't understand the question, have it repeated, then give a thoughtful, considered answer. DO NOT GIVE AN ANSWER WITHOUT THINKING. While answers should not be rushed, neither should there be any unnaturally long delay to a simple question if you know the answer.Apr 22, 2015

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 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.

How long did it take Elizabeth to get divorced?

Having this goal in mind helped keep things moving, and as a result, her divorce took 364 days between her initial filing and final judgment.

How to get money from a prenup consultation?

If you want to get your money’s worth from a consultation, make sure you bring all of the documents associated with your prenup. The same goes if you and your spouse have started working out a separation agreement (or other agreement related to your pending split) in writing.

What should be on a second credit list?

On a second list you should put all of your credit accounts (including, but not limited to credit cards, student debt, personal loans, mortgage, car loan, etc.). That list should include the name of the debtor (s), the current balance on the debt, and the monthly payment.

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.

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.

Can a divorce lawyer hide your information?

Hiding any critical information regarding your divorce may hinder the lawyer’s ability to critically assess your situation and offer the appropriate advice. At this point, be honest and open during the consultation. Share all the key details surrounding the divorce even if you do not feel they are relevant. You may have to reveal intimate and personal details regarding your relationship with your spouse but do not worry as this is perfectly normal and appropriate.

Can a divorce lawyer promise 100% success?

If the lawyer is promising you the world and telling you everything you’d like to hear, be cautious. No lawyer can really promise you 100% success in a divorce case as there are too many variables involved including how a judge will decide, the duration of the case proceedings and subsequently the costs involved.

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 is family law?

However, family law is a subspecialty that involves complex legal principles, which take time and experience to master.

What is a restraining order?

restraining orders prohibiting spouses from changing beneficiary designations or transferring assets before and during the divorce. alimony (how to calculate income available for alimony and the special factors courts consider when determining setting payments) child support (how to calculate child support in your state)

What is the division of property and assets?

the division of property and assets, including real property, collectibles, venture capital interests, stock option portfolios, good will, or other business interests, and . the division of retirement benefits. There is a vast body of law (which will vary from state to state) that applies to these issues. These laws are frequently updated ...

Do you have to give consent to a text message from Martindale-Nolo?

You are not required to provide consent as a condition of service. Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary. Message and data rates may apply.

What to expect if you have gone through a divorce?

Unless you’ve gone through a divorce before, chances are you are unaware of what lies ahead and what to expect. Divorce proceedings vary from state-to-state, and the duration of your case will depend on your situation and how cooperative you and you ex-spouse are.

What to do if you haven't settled your divorce?

If you haven’t settled this with your partner, then ask your lawyer before hiring them about your chances of getting the custody of your child (ren). Understand the factors considered by state judges when deciding which parent should get the custody. Sometimes custody battles can extend the divorce proceedings.

What to do if you don't want to go to trial?

If you don’t want to go to trial, ask your lawyer about an alternative dispute resolution process – such as arbitration or mediation. If you and your spouse are good candidates for alternative dispute resolution, then you just might be able to reduce the financial and emotional cost of divorce. 9.

Why is it important to ask someone about their experience in family law?

This is especially important if you believe your divorce is going to be difficult or contested.

Why do marital assets depend on property laws?

Allocation of marital assets depends on the property laws, which vary from one state to state. This is because the property laws dictate the ownership rights. In the majority of states, splitting marital assets is simple, and both partners are assigned joint assets.

Can a custody battle extend a divorce?

Sometimes custody battles can extend the divorce proceedings . You may have to concede some matters so you can wrap up the case quickly. Ask your lawyer when it’s in your favor to settle and where you might benefit from challenging the issue.

Can a lawyer who doesn't practice family law lose your case?

Plus, the latter have more experience in and out of the courtroom when handling family law matters. However, that doesn’t mean that a lawyer who doesn’t practice family/divorce law will lose your case.

How long have you practiced?

If you're dealing with substantial assets or a custody dispute, you want to hire an experienced lawyer. Ask the lawyer how long they have practiced in divorce law and how many cases they have handled. Further, find out how many of these cases led to a trial to determine the lawyer's courtroom experience.

How much do you charge?

You also want to understand the lawyer's fee structure. Does the lawyer bill by the hour? Or do they provide a fixed fee? Does the lawyer charge for phone calls, copies, and postage? What about psychologists, private investigators, or doctors? Are these expenses billed in addition to the flat fee?

What are the divorce procedures in my state?

Each state has different rules regarding divorce, child support, custody, alimony, and other related issues. You need to understand how your state approaches your divorce issues.

Should I do anything to protect myself?

Finally, before you conclude your meeting, you want to ask if there's anything you should do to protect yourself as you go through the divorce.

How to Interview A Divorce Lawyer: The Right Questions to Ask

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