what is typically included in a free consultation with divorce attorney

by Prof. Ruben Daugherty V 4 min read

Typical divorce issues include division of assets and liabilities, child custody, child support, and spousal support. If you decide to divorce, fighting it out in court is only one option. At the consultation, you can learn about the litigation process.

These documents commonly include:
  • Tax returns for the past three years.
  • Pay stubs for both spouses.
  • Bank statements.
  • Credit card statements.
  • Car loan information and car titles.
  • Mortgage and real estate paperwork.
  • Retirement account statements.
  • Any other kind of financial documentation regarding assets or debt.

Full Answer

When should you contact a divorce lawyer?

attorney’s assessment of your current situation. Whether you or your spouse has previously filed for a divorce from the other, or whether your spouse has consulted an attorney, are also important parts of the evaluation process. To the extent your prospective attorney has some insight as to the identity of the judge to whom the case

What questions should I ask at a divorce consultation?

Jul 18, 2019 · A free consultation is when a lawyer sits down with you to discuss your divorce and the nitty-gritty details. You’re going to get very personal with this lawyer. Some lawyers will offer you a free consultation over the phone if it’s more convenient for you. These meetings will usually run from a half an hour to an hour, depending on the lawyer.

What does it take to become a divorce lawyer?

Jan 14, 2021 · Regardless of what you bring to your divorce consultation don’t forget why you are in a divorce attorney’s office in the first place: (1) to get information about divorce in your jurisdiction– we firmly believe that knowledge is power!, (2) to get an idea about what your life could look like post-divorce, and (3) to evaluate whether the attorney you are meeting with is …

How to find the best divorce lawyer?

Jun 14, 2019 · A productive initial divorce consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your divorce issues and understand what a post-divorce life may look like. Typical divorce issues include division of assets and liabilities, child custody, child support, and spousal support. If you decide to divorce, fighting it out in court is only one option.

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.

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.

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.

What is an initial divorce consultation?

A productive initial divorce consultation can provide a toolbox of information allowing you to reflect on your situation before taking the next steps. Scheduling an initial divorce consultation is a big step, especially if your spouse is not pursuing divorce. However, going to an initial divorce consultation does not necessarily mean you intend ...

What are the issues in divorce?

Typical divorce issues include division of assets and liabilities, child custody, child support, and spousal support. If you decide to divorce, fighting it out in court is only one option. At the consultation, you can learn about the litigation process.

1. Experience

It is always important to determine if your potential attorney fills the profile that you are looking for.

2. Advice

Don’t be afraid to ask: “What is a piece of advice you give to every client?”

4. Working Together

You and your attorney will essentially become a team, therefore great communication and clarity of expectations are key to ensure a great outcome.

5. Costs

Finally, but not least important, every firm charges differently, and it might be helpful to understand how that works.

What is a free consultation?

A free consultation is essentially an appointment, either by telephone or in person, with an attorney and/or their legal team. This service is intended to grant you the opportunity to meet with the lawyer and get to know them – an important step in seeing whether you can work well together. The average free consultation is short (generally, ...

How long does a lawyer consultation take?

A consultation for a simple divorce, on the other hand, might only take about 15 minutes over the telephone.

Do lawyers offer free consultations?

Some lawyers offer free consultations, but don’t necessarily declare it on their website and/or in advertising. Don’t be afraid to be direct and ask for a free consultation if you feel one is warranted. Most firms know how important this initial appointment is to ensure you’re both a good fit for one another.

How to write a case?

Start by writing down a list of the most important aspects of your case. Keep this short, direct, and to the point. Keep this with you when you go. It’s also wise to bring a pen and paper with you. A tablet or smartphone works, too, if you prefer technology instead.

Is it better to hire a lawyer or a lawyer?

It is far better to connect with a true legal expert – a lawyer – instead. The law is complex and rife with grey areas that aren’t always easy for the average layperson to understand. An attorney is best equipped to help you navigate your case. In most cases, hiring a lawyer starts with an initial consultation.

What Is a Divorce Coach?

A divorce coach is different from an attorney and different from a therapist. A divorce coach won’t offer you legal advice and isn’t a substitute for hiring a traditional divorce attorney in your case. Instead, the best way to describe a divorce coach’s role is “mentor.”

Do I Need a Divorce Coach?

So you’ve already hired an attorney and now you’re wondering if you need a divorce coach. Divorce coaches usually work with attorneys to help clients sift through what’s important to them in a divorce.

Should I Consider Using a Consulting Attorney?

If you don't believe you need any legal advice at all, theoretically you can represent yourself in court on all the legal aspects of your case and rely on your divorce coach for non-legal issues. However, this is not typically recommended.

How Much Do Divorce Coaches and Consulting Attorneys Cost?

In a survey we took of our readers who had recently been through a divorce, the average hourly rate paid for a consulting attorney was $230, and the average total fee was about $4,600.

What is the purpose of a free consultation?

The purpose of a free consultation is not to obtain specific legal advice in the consultation, but rather to allow you to determine whether you would like to hire the attorney and to allow the attorney to determine whether he or she can help you achieve your legal goals.

What is retainer in a case?

A retainer is basically a down payment for the attorney’s work.

What is retainer in a trust account?

A retainer is basically a down payment for the attorney’s work. It is kept in a trust account and remains your money and refundable until the attorney earns it. This is a great time to ask the attorney any questions that you have, including questions about his or her experience with cases like yours.

Do attorneys give free consultations?

Many attorneys offer both free consultations and paid consultations, depending on what you are trying to accomplish. The key to understanding the difference, is that generally attorneys will not give legal advice without being first hired by the client.

How to get a free legal consultation?

For a free legal consultation, call 516-358-6900. Preparing for a Legal Consultation. Your consultation is very important, and it is essential that you are prepared for it. You should arrive at your consultation with as much information about your accident as possible, including any evidence that you may have. ...

What is the phone number for a free legal consultation?

If the attorney thinks that you may have a strong case, he or she will make a recommendation about what to do next. For a free legal consultation, call 516-358-6900. Preparing for a Legal Consultation.

What to do if you have been injured due to the fault of another?

If you have been injured due to the fault of another, scheduling a consultation is in your best interest. Even if you do not think that you have a claim, an attorney can provide you with a more accurate idea of your rights and what compensation you may be able to recover.

Is a personal injury consultation free?

The other great news about a consultation is that a personal injury law firm will almost always offer a case consultation completely free of charge. Because attending a consultation will not cost you a penny, there is really no reason not to seek one.

How long does it take to settle a case?

However, do not be fooled into believing that your case will be resolved in a mere matter of weeks. Most claims take months for a settlement to be reached.

Is a consultation free?

A consultation can provide you with important information about your rights and how to pursue damages, and is completely free of charge and comes with no obligations. Here is an overview of what you need to know about what is involved in a consultation with a lawyer.