should i hire an attorney where i or my ex lives

You aren’t legally obligated to hire your own lawyer just because your spouse got one, but in many cases, you’d be smart to seek your own legal counsel. No matter how much of a slam-dunk case you might think you have, divorce situations are often, technical, messy, and a case of he-said, she-said.

Full Answer

Can my spouse hire a lawyer for me?

Jun 01, 2020 · In these cases, it may not be necessary to hire a lawyer. But with many estates, the procedures are more complex, there may be tax issues, and a probate lawyer can be of great help. You Want To Do Comprehensive Estate Planning. It is possible to prepare a simple will, power of attorney, living will, or even a basic living trust without a lawyer.

Should I hire a personal injury lawyer?

Aug 18, 2015 · You should contact an attorney immediately in order to be fully advised of your rights, and so that you are aware of those deadlines. If you fail to act within the required time frame, you might be forever barred from asserting your rights or defending your position. The attorney answering this question is licensed in Illinois and Iowa only.

Is it worth it to hire an attorney?

You should speak to an experienced family law attorney in your area before you file for a fault-based divorce to find out if you meet the requirements, can prove your case, and whether there is any advantage to pursuing a fault divorce that may outweigh the added legal fees, court costs, stress, and conflict with your ex.

When should you hire a lawyer?

In fact, Nathan spent most of the evening talking about the benefits of hiring “ex-cons.” When I got back to my hotel room, my iPhone screen flashed a news article: “Ex-attorney general ...

Should I tell my ex I got a lawyer?

Do attorneys sleep with their clients?

How do men protect themselves in a divorce?

How can you spot a lawyer?

How do you seduce a lawyer?

Can a lawyer represent her boyfriend?

How do you avoid getting screwed in a divorce?

What a man should ask for in a divorce settlement?

How should a woman prepare for a divorce?

What are some questions you should ask a lawyer?

How do I know if someone is a real lawyer?

What is the retainer fee?

Marshall William Orsini

In some situations, the parties could "sign off" on a potential conflict, but I doubt it would be allowed here. Even if it were allowed, it's a terrible idea. There's too much potential for conflict: information accidentally being shared, documents forwarded to the wrong assistant, etc.

Brian Daniel Perskin

I wouldn't recommend hiring the same firm that represents the other party in your divorce action. It will be messy, and there are far too many conflicts.#N#Look elsewhere.

Thomas O. Moens

I suppose it is theoretically possible, but the potential pitfalls and difficulties are too numerous to list. I doubt most firms and attorneys would put themselves in such a position. I can assure you, there are many fine attorneys in Des Moines and nearby communities--they most certainly are not all at one firm...

Larry Jerome Couture

This is clearly a conflict of interest and you would not be able to hire a lawyer from the same firm. In fact, if they knew that your spouse was a client they likely would not even allow an interview.#N#I am saying this even though your question is confusing because it seems to say...

What to do if your spouse is hiding assets?

Or, if you believe your spouse is actively hiding assets or wasting marital funds, you should contact an attorney to protect your interests.

Is family law a specialized field?

Family law is a specialized field and a simple mistake on your paperwork can have life-long ramifications or unintended consequences. Because the stakes are so high and personal in a divorce, it's best not to try and take on an experienced family law attorney. Once your spouse has lawyered up, you need to hire an experienced attorney, ...

What are the common fault grounds for divorce?

These vary from state to state, but the most common fault grounds include adultery, abandonment, abuse, and addiction to alcohol or drugs.

Why does a divorce take longer to resolve?

Fault cases typically take longer to resolve in court because you have to provide admissible evidence and prove to a judge the misconduct occurred and that it caused the divorce.

Is collaborative divorce the same as mediation?

It's similar to mediation in that the goal is to avoid court, but the specific process is quite different. With collaborative divorce, you and your spouse must both hire attorneys who are specially trained in collaborative law, and you have to commit to avoiding court.

What is collaborative divorce?

With collaborative divorce, you and your spouse must both hire attorneys who are specially trained in collaborative law, and you have to commit to avoiding court. This process can be expensive, so it's important to do some research and learn all you can about collaborative divorce before you choose this path.

When does alimony end?

It ends when the divorce case is completed and a judge issues another alimony order. Long-term or permanent alimony is reserved for long-term marriages, where one spouse has the financial ability to pay, and the other spouse has a low or no earning capacity.

Who is the founder of Hope for Prisoners?

The founder, Jon D. Ponder , spent much of his early life in and out of state and federal prisons and experienced firsthand the effects of incarceration. Upon his release, he committed the rest of his life to helping others transition out of prison to reenter society successfully. Only 6% of people who go through the HOPE for Prisoners program go back to prison.

What is Hope for Prisoners?

The vision of HOPE for Prisoners is to empower returning ex-offenders and their families to create a successful future built on strategic leadership and character development. They assist those fighting for a second chance, strengthen their communities, and create positive reference points where none existed before.

How tall was Tony in the movie?

Nathan and Wynn were a bit cautious, but agreed to keep an open mind. A few minutes later they met Tony, a 6 foot 3 inch, buff, tattooed, shaved-headed, intimidating man.

Can you get angry during a divorce?

It’s easy for you, your spouse, or both of you to get angry and even emotionally distraught during the divorce process. Simply handing the responsibility for handling your divorce to your divorce lawyer might seem like a welcome relief. However, it might actually complicate things for you more than simplify them.

What is the primary goal of a lawyer?

Lawyers are supposed to work under one primary goal: the relentless pursuit of their clients’ interests. If you convey to a lawyer that your interest is specifically an amicable divorce, then that’s just what you should expect.

Is divorce scary?

The prospect of divorce is a frightening one in its own right. The marriage and union you had hoped would last, and likely worked hard to accomplish, is coming to an end. The last thing you need is your spouse’s attorney intimidating you in the courtroom . Even despite this, some people make the choice to represent themselves in divorce hearings, even if their husband has personally hired a lawyer.

Can a divorce mediator represent you?

A divorce mediator will not represent you or your husband, and as such can’t give either of you legal advice. Rather, a mediator will help you identify the issues that need resolution and assist in creating a divorce agreement that is in compliance and alignment with applicable laws.

What does a mediator do in a divorce?

Rather, a mediator will help you identify the issues that need resolution and assist in creating a divorce agreement that is in compliance and alignment with applicable laws. Mediation can be a sound alternative to trying to handle the divorce by yourself.

Is mediation a confidential process?

Mediation is usually a confidential process, and should you and your spouse fail to reach any agreement, arguing the divorce in court is still a possibility after the fact. One big disadvantage of mediation is that mediators aren’t able to advise either of you if your decisions are good ones or not.

What is the best way to handle a divorce?

Instead, mediators help couples identify the issues that need to be resolved and create an agreement that comports with the law. Mediation is another alternative to handling a divorce on your own. Although there are a lot of self-help resources out there, divorce can be a daunting process. Mediation is confidential and even if you ...

What is mediation in divorce?

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. Mediation is another alternative to handling ...

How Do Lawyer Fees Work?

In many cases, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means that they only get paid (typically a percentage of the settlement) if you win your case. There are no up front costs, and you pay nothing out of pocket - though your claim may not be eligible for representation.

Finding the Best Attorneys?

There are several sources you can use to find a good attorney. Friends, doctors, online directories, the state bar, and other sources can point you in a certain direction, but there are no guarantees that they will refer you to a good one.

What About Lawyer Ratings?

It is common to see or hear personal injury attorneys advertising on T.V., on the radio, and in the yellow pages. Additionally, there are a number of online ratings services like avvo which attempt to rank local attorneys and weed out the bad firms based on client feedback.

Do Different Types of Cases Require Special Lawyers?

Yes, most definitely. U.S. law is tricky, and especially dense, specialization in a legal professional naturally results. Specialization in law is common and you would not want a medical malpractice lawyer handling your divorce case.

What Questions Should I Ask Before Choosing to Sign (Hint: The Best Lawyers Should Have Answers)

This will depend on your specific case, but here are some generic questions to get you started:

Final Questions Commonly Raised By Concerned Clients

Yes, as this is the best way to protect your rights. Most attorneys use a short and simple agreement, but be sure to read the whole document and ask questions if anything is unclear to you - it should clearly outline the terms of representation, fee arrangements and any obligations agreed to.

What happens when you hire a lawyer?

When you hire a lawyer, your lawyer only works for you and will make sure your interests are protected. 4. There is a problem with the property or the deal. A lawyer can help you resolve some of the tougher, more technical issues that might come up.

Do you need a lawyer for a real estate transaction?

1. State law requires you to use a lawyer. In some states, lawyers must be involved in certain aspects of a real estate transaction. In other states, lawyers are optional. 2. There is no real estate agent or broker involved. A “for sale by owner" deal can save you money on real estate commissions, but you still need someone to prepare ...

Can you change the exterior of your house?

You plan to change the exterior of the home. Your local government, historic district, or homeowners' association may have strict rules about what you can and can't do to the outside of your house. These rules can cover everything from teardowns to additions, to solar panels, to new paint colors.

Can you deduct capital gains on a home?

If you are the seller, you could be liable for capital gains tax if the home has increased in value. If you are the buyer, you may be able to deduct mortgage interest, home office expenses, and some or all of your property tax. If you plan to rent the property, you will have to report your rental income and expenses on your taxes.

Is it a good idea to talk to an attorney who doesn't represent you?

So, it's a good idea to start any communication with an attorney who doesn't represent you by confirming with him or her that your communications will be privileged. Talk to a Lawyer.

What is attorney-client privilege?

An attorney-client relationship generally doesn't form until the lawyer and client agree to it. But the attorney-client privilege protects some communications made before the prospective client hires the attorney, and even some where there's never any hire. (For all kinds of information about lawyer-client relationships, ...