what questions to ask at a 30 minute divorce attorney consultation

by Mr. Rudy Bednar III 7 min read

ask (i) whether it is acceptable or “safe” for the attorney to call you back, (ii) whether the attorney should dial *67 to block the identity of the attorney returning your call on your Caller ID, and (iii) whether it is okay to leave a message if you are not available to answer the call.

General Attorney Questions
  • What do you handle that I can't DIY?
  • Who will be working on my case?
  • What is your experience? ...
  • How much will a lawyer cost me?
  • What should I NOT tell my ex-spouse?
  • How much do my attorney and I need to talk?
  • How will I get my paperwork?
  • What do I need to take to a divorce consultation?
Apr 20, 2020

Full Answer

What questions to ask a divorce lawyer?

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 to ask a divorce attorney about a move away request?

Mar 02, 2019 · Any worthwhile divorce attorney will offer a no-cost consultation. If they want to charge you for your first visit, run. Seek consultations with several attorneys. Ask each potential attorney the questions below plus any others you might have. Compare costs.

What questions should I ask my lawyer before meeting with them?

You need to understand how your state approaches your divorce issues. Review with the lawyer how to initiate divorce proceedings. Find out how your state addresses child custody and visitation. Ask questions about child support calculations. If applicable, ask a question about how the court will calculate alimony and how it divides your assets.

How often do lawyers go to court in a divorce?

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What questions should I ask a free consultation lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•Jan 29, 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 do I prepare for an attorney interview?

If you are interviewing virtually, all of these tips apply.Do your research. Lawyers are known for being good researchers. ... Be presentable and dress your best. ... Come prepared to ask questions. ... Be personable and show enthusiasm. ... Be genuine. ... Promptly send a thank-you note.Oct 28, 2020

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 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.

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.

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.

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