what questions to ask attorney about divorce

What you should know before contacting a divorce attorney?

This is an important question for two reasons. 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 qualities make 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 ...

How to evaluate a good divorce attorney?

Jan 14, 2020 · Questions to ask your divorce attorney might include: What proportion of your cases involve family law? How long have you been practicing family law? How many family cases have you handled? How much of my case will be handled by other attorneys or staff and what is their experience? Family law is a unique area of practice. You probably don’t want …

Is a divorce attorney really the answer?

Questions to Ask a Divorce Lawyer 1- Do you know my partner in any way? The last thing you want happening is your lawyer not performing to their bests due to emotional attachments with your spouse. If your attorney has any previous associations with your spouse, the emotional attachments could get in the way of an unbiased job.

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.

Questions About Experience

The issues that need to be addressed in your divorce are ones that will affect you and your family for years to come. When asking your divorce interview questions, it is important to learn whether your family law attorney has the experience necessary to advise you correctly.

Questions About Billing

Questions about billing are definitely important questions to ask an attorney about your divorce case. If you’re concerned about keeping costs down, you will want to understand your attorney’s billing practices. Here are a few questions that will cover the basics:

Questions About Communication

When you are going through a divorce, you will probably have many questions for your divorce attorney.

Questions About Procedures and Law

For many people, going through a divorce may be their first real experience with the legal system. You may feel a bit overwhelmed by the process or concerned about what the laws mean for you.

How to Find a Divorce Attorney

Are you ready to start interviewing divorce attorneys? You might want to start with the experienced family law attorneys at Eskew Law. We pride ourselves on excellent communication with our clients and favorable results.

1- Do you know my partner in any way?

The last thing you want happening is your lawyer not performing to their bests due to emotional attachments with your spouse.

2- How many divorce cases were you able to settle without court proceedings?

Taking divorce cases to court only prolongs it unnecessarily. Most times, the only effect of taking a divorce to court is elevated fees.

3- How many divorce cases have you handled?

The divorce attorney is offering a service. Most service providers don’t get it right at the first attempt. While they get better over time, you don’t want to be a source of experience to the lawyer.

4- Will another lawyer be taking up my case at any point in time?

After conducting tons of research and asking tens of questions, you’ve decided to settle on a divorce lawyer.

5- Can I access all of my documents at will?

Your documents are all yours, and there are no reasons why your attorney should be keeping them away from you. A typical answer to this question should be a resounding yes.

6- Are there any hidden costs?

Most times, you may have to pay extra costs if the divorce process meets a specific condition.

7- What are the available means of communication?

Good divorce lawyers are excellent communicators. They must be available to answer your questions at any time while reaching you for information if need be.

How to prepare for alimony?

Alimony is a numbers game. Sometimes the best way to prepare and present the back alimony case is to play the numbers game using experts. For example, forensic accounting experts and vocational rehabilitative experts can help support or defend an alimony claim.

Who wrote the book "Getting to Yes"?

Have you read “Getting to Yes”? “Getting to Yes,” a book by the authors of the Harvard Negotiation Project, is considered the authority on principled settlement. These guys originated the concept of win-win, later made famous by Stephen Covey and his “7 Habits of Highly Effective People.”.

Do cases go to litigation?

The reality is certain cases must go to litigation in order to get the right result. You are vetting not just the transactional experience of your family law attorney, but also their ability to litigate if and when it is required.

Is divorce easy?

Divorce is not easy , and the vast majority of the people that we consult with are not emotionally ready to pull the trigger. Often a driving force is that there are assets, other financial obligations, or even relationships with children that need to be protected, and the jurisdiction of the court needs to be invoked.

Is Florida a legal separation state?

While Florida doesn’t exactly call it a legal separation, the state does offer an alternative for two parties to divide assets and to provide support to one another even without filing a divorce. The separate maintenance actions can give rise to what is in effect a legal separation in Florida.

Is child support based on a formula?

Child support is based on a formula in Florida . But often we have a difficult time getting to a child support number. That’s because while the formula might be straightforward, sometimes finding out the numbers to put into the formula is anything but. My spouse has a business and lies about his income to the IRS.

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 ...