what questions should you ask a divorce attorney

What you should know before contacting a divorce attorney?

As you continue to read this article on questions to ask a divorce attorney, we wanted you to know the attorneys at our premier family law firm are a phone call or online inquiry away. Click below if you want to call us. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. The contact form you see will send us an email.

What qualities make a good divorce attorney?

Possible questions to your attorney could include: How do you prepare for a contested case? How long does a contested divorce case usually take? What if only some of our issues are unresolved? Contact an Experienced California Divorce Attorney Today. If you would like to speak with an experienced divorce attorney in San Francisco, contact Moradi Saslaw for a confidential …

How to evaluate a good divorce attorney?

Jan 14, 2021 · What To Ask A Divorce Lawyer On Your First Visit. 1. Ask them to describe their approach to the divorce process. Each lawyer you speak to should have a slightly different answer to this. Sure, the ... 2. Ask about communication. How will they check in with you throughout the process? 3. Ask how ...

Is a divorce attorney really the answer?

It is important to ask prospective attorneys about their experience with divorce law. You should ask questions such as: How long have you practiced divorce law?

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.

How to plan your life after a divorce?

If you want to plan your life after a divorce, you should at least have a general idea of how long divorces similar to yours take. This planning will also help you prepare a budget for the cost of divorce. The attorney should truthfully tell you there is no way to predict exactly how long a divorce will take.

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 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.

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.

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.

Experience

How long have you been practicing law? Do you practice only family law?

Process and Timing

Do you think it is better to settle my case or litigate (go to court)?

Assets and Debts

How do the state laws determine how we divide our joint assets? Is it always 50/50?

Alimony (spousal support)

Am I eligible to receive alimony payments? Do I have to pay alimony to my ex-spouse?

The Bottom Line

You might not have the opportunity to ask all these questions at your initial divorce consultations. Pick the ones that are most relevant to your situation.

1. What Do You Need to Know About Me?

It can be difficult to know where to begin as you discuss your marriage and your desire for a divorce. Therefore, ask the attorney what information you need to share. Then, the lawyer can guide you through the process of telling your story and identifying the issues you want to address during this first meeting.

2. What Can I Expect From the Divorce Process?

Most people do not think about the divorce process until matters at home become unbearable. Therefore, it is common to have many questions regarding how you obtain a divorce in Florida.

3. What Are Ways I Can Reduce the Cost of Divorce?

Many people assume that it is expensive to file for divorce. However, there are ways that you can reduce the cost of a divorce.

4. What Are My Rights Regarding the Basic Elements of a Divorce?

Understanding your legal rights also helps relieve some of the stress you might feel as you begin the divorce process.

5. What Is My Next Step?

After you discuss the above questions, your last question addresses what to do next. If you are ready to pursue a divorce, the lawyer explains the attorneys’ fees and cost of retaining the law firm.

Obtaining Information is the First Step in Protecting Your Best Interests

Meeting with a divorce lawyer does not mean that you must file for divorce. However, knowledge is power. Obtaining answers to your questions and learning about your legal rights is the best way to protect your best interests and the best interests of your children.