what to ask an attorney when getting a divorce

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 legal help,...
3. Ask how you’ll be able to monitor the status of your...

Full Answer

What are the best questions to ask a divorce lawyer?

Feb 11, 2022 · Ask the attorney how much you will pay as a retainer and what it covers. Find out if they can refund you if you settle the case without using up the entire retainer. For instance, if you opt for a consensual agreement with your spouse or decide to find another attorney.

What you should know before contacting a divorce attorney?

These tools include how to communicate with your spouse, when to communicate with your spouse and how to diffuse conflict. If the divorce attorney struggles to provide you with this information, you should question his or her experience. Our divorce attorneys pay significant attention to communication.

What qualities make a good divorce attorney?

Feb 12, 2022 · These include (as applicable): The division of your marital property Your child custody arrangements Child support Alimony The right divorce attorney for you will help you better understand the aspects of your divorce that are likely to be the most challenging – and will help to ensure that your attention remains focused on these challenges.

What to look for in 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 ...

What should I ask for in my divorce?

Considerations to Make About What to Ask for in a Divorce SettlementMarital Home. ... Life Insurance and Health Insurance Policies. ... Division of Debt. ... Private School Tuition and College Tuition. ... Family Heirlooms and Jewelry. ... Parenting Time. ... Retirement Funds.

What to ask yourself before getting divorced?

11 Questions to Ask Before Getting a DivorceHave you made clear your concerns about the relationship? ... Do you and your spouse have shared expectations about the roles you play in the relationship? ... If there is a way to save the marriage, what would it be? ... Would you really be happier without your partner?More items...•May 18, 2017

What questions should I ask my 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 should you do before you get a divorce?

Top 10 Things to Do Before You File For a DivorceNever Threaten to Divorce Until You Are Ready To File. ... Organize Your Documents. ... Focus on Your Children. ... Make Sure You Have Three Months of Financial Resources. ... Obtain the Best Legal Advice You Can Get. ... Make Sure You Have Available Credit.More items...•Jan 4, 2022

How do you know it's time for a divorce?

10 Signs That It's Time to DivorceYou No Longer Communicate with Your Spouse. ... Your Marriage Lacks Intimacy. ... One Spouse Is Causing Financial Hardship. ... The Relationship Isn't a Top Priority. ... You Aren't Willing to Argue with Your Spouse. ... Opinions Concerning Children Greatly Differ. ... You Don't Feel Respected by Your Partner.More items...•Apr 23, 2021

How much does a divorce cost?

The average (mean) cost of a divorce is $12,900. The median cost of a divorce is $7,500. An uncontested divorce or one with no major contested issues costs, on average, $4,100. Disputes over child support, child custody, and alimony raise the average cost of a divorce significantly.Nov 16, 2020

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 prepare for an attorney meeting?

Tips For Meeting With Your Lawyer For the First TimeDress To Impress. ... Be Ready To Give Your Attorney Important Information About Yourself. ... Gather Your Evidence And Have It Ready For Your First Meeting. ... Get Your Facts Straight. ... Plan Something You Can Look Forward To For After Your Meeting.

What is a good question to ask a judge?

Good questions to ask the judge include the following:“How do you like being a judge?”“How did you decide to become a judge?”“What was the most important thing that helped you become a judge?”“What do you expect from your clerks?”“What are you looking for in clerkship applicants?”“What is your mentorship style?”More items...

What should you not do when getting a divorce?

What Not To Do During DivorceNever Act Out Of Spite. You may feel the impulse to use the court system to get back at your spouse. ... Never Ignore Your Children. ... Never Use Kids As Pawns. ... Never Give In To Anger. ... Never Expect To Get Everything. ... Never Fight Every Fight. ... Never Try To Hide Money. ... Never Compare Divorces.Nov 23, 2020

How should a woman prepare for a divorce?

9 Critical Steps Women Should Take To Prepare For DivorceGather your financial records. ... Open a Post Office Box. ... Start putting money away for legal and other professional fees. ... Open a new checking and savings account. ... Open new credit cards in your name only. ... Get a copy of your credit report.

What it's like to divorce a narcissist?

You can expect your spouse to fight you each step of the way. In a narcissist's mind, they do not fail; they do not make mistakes. Therefore, your spouse will place the blame for the divorce squarely on your shoulders. A narcissist will use whatever resources they can to protect their self-inflated ego.May 12, 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.

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.

What does an attorney do after divorce?

Your attorney will work to help you get a fair settlement and protect your interests while you work on moving forward with your life after your divorce. While the attorney should be working to resolve the issues as amicably as possible, sometimes court intervention is needed.

Is Arizona a community property state?

Arizona is a community property state, and the separating spouses will split the marital pot equitably. When parties are ethical and open about their financial worth during an amicable divorce, each party will know what debts and assets that the other party has.

Does Arizona require spousal support?

Arizona is one of the states that provides for spousal maintenance under certain circumstances after a divorce. If both parties worked during the marriage and are ending the marriage more or less equally situated, alimony is probably not appropriate but the topic should still be addressed with your attorney.

Do lawyers have to be transparent?

Lawyers are ethically required to be transparent about how much their hourly rate is and their fee structure. Your fee agreement should explain everything you need to know about billing but most importantly you should discuss ways you can save on fees.

How long have you been practicing family law?

This should be one of the very first questions you ask of any prospective divorce lawyer. An experienced family law attorney will be able to work efficiently, address all your concerns, and be prepared to handled your case. Your time and money will be well spent.

Are you the person who will be working on my case?

Many law offices work in teams, which can speed up the process and even save you money—but some offices may bump work to new associates who don’t have the experience your legal situation requires. If there is another attorney that will be working on your case, ask if you can meet with him, too, so you can get a sense of his skills and experience.

How do you feel about mediation and settlements?

Your attorney is there to fight for your legal rights, but conflict resolution and other problem-solving techniques should be a key part of your attorney’s professional skill set. Your attorney should be willing to talk about mediation or arbitration during your divorce because litigation is often time-consuming and expensive.

What are your rates, and how will you charge me?

Making sure that your attorney charges within an acceptable price range is important, and knowing exactly what you will be billed for will help you plan your divorce budget. Many divorce attorneys require an up-front payment, called a retainer, then charge you against the retainer per quarter (15 minutes) or tenth (6 minutes) of an hour.

Are you comfortable representing my unique needs?

Just as every person is unique, every divorce is different, too. If your case has unusual or extraordinary circumstances and your attorney isn’t equipped with the knowledge to handle your case, it’s better to be up front before either of you commit to a professional relationship.

Other Ways to Prepare for Your Initial Legal Consultation

You’ll want to have some information of your own ready, so you can answer the attorney’s questions, including any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, divorce summons, protective orders or other court orders, and police reports. Be able to answer questions about the assets involved in the divorce and how you might want them to be divided.

Get Legal Help With Your Divorce Today

When you’re ready to get help with your divorce, the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny is here for you and your family. Let us bring our decades of family law experience to the table for you, so you can begin moving forward with your new life.

What are the factors that determine custody?

Typically, child custody decisions are based on the best interest of the child. A number of factors come into play here. Most of these vary by state, but commonly include the following: 1 The quality of the child’s relationship with each parent 2 The age and health of the child and each parent 3 The emotional and developmental needs of the child 4 The home environment of each parent 5 The ability and disposition of each parent to fulfill the child’s emotional and physical needs 6 The level of the child’s involvement in his/her school and community 7 The willingness of parents to co-parent 8 Evidence of child and/or domestic abuse

What does it mean when you have legal custody of your child?

When you have legal custody of your child, you’re entitled to make decisions on behalf of your child. When you have physical custody, it means your child can live with you. A parent can have legal custody even if he/she doesn’t have physical custody. Hence, gain complete knowledge of the various custody options available to you, ...

Can a parent decide on a visitation schedule?

In some states, courts prefer having a mediation before it issues a custody order. Parents may have to inform the court about volunt ary visitations and parent ing schedules beforehand in writing. The court will have to approve it.

What are the factors that determine the best interest of a child?

Typically, child custody decisions are based on the best interest of the child. A number of factors come into play here. Most of these vary by state, but commonly include the following: The quality of the child’s relationship with each parent. The age and health of the child and each parent. The emotional and developmental needs of the child.

What is the objective of the court?

The objective of the court is to make every decision that is best or the most ideal for the child’s present and future. Each state has its own criteria for deciding what’s in the best interest of the child.

What happens if you change your child's name?

Any change in the child’s name will require a court order. If the other parent objects to the name change, you will need to prove in court that the change is in the best interest of the child. If none of the parents object, the court will permit the name change.

What is child support?

Child support is money paid to a parent with the custody to help cover the child’s expenses (food, shelter, clothes). In some states, certain set guidelines enable courts to arrive at a fair and sufficient child support amount. Other states award child support based on case facts.