After making the hard choice to reach out to a divorce lawyer about the divorce and then scheduling an appointment to see the lawyer, it's normal to be unsure of what you can anticipate from a divorce consultation.
The purpose of an initial divorce consultation is to allow prospective clients and divorce lawyers to get together to determine if the lawyer and the client are happy working together.
As a prospective client, it is essential to believe that you can trust your family law attorney and that there is a good relationship between you and your family lawyer. The first meeting is an excellent chance for the lawyer and client to see if they can establish a strong working relationship throughout a sometimes complicated and contentious procedure.
What Questions Should I Ask at a Divorce Consultation?
You may be unsure whether to ask your divorce attorney about their licensing, education and knowledge. But you'll pay a lot of money for legal services, so it's essential to inquire before deciding whether to hire an attorney to represent you. Some common questions to ask a potential divorce lawyer include:
- Are you aware of the state's or county's specific regulations and laws in this case?
- Are you confident in handling my divorce case?
- How long have you been practising family law?
- Will you manage my divorce case throughout my divorce process? If not, who will be, and what is their experience?
- How often will you inform me about the status of my divorce case?
- Do you have experience with mediation?
- What can I expect if my divorce case goes to trial?
Do Divorce Attorneys Offer Free Consultations?
A lot of legal firms, as well as divorce attorneys, provide a free initial consultation for each client. The consultation can be conducted by phone, in person or through Zoom. No law requires lawyers to provide free legal services to prospective clients. Therefore, it is essential to inquire about the costs before scheduling your first meeting.
If an attorney provides an initial consultation for free, it is your opportunity to talk with them and find out whether the divorce attorney is the perfect match for your divorce case. Consultations aren't the best option for asking many legal questions, so don't enter the initial divorce consultation expecting the family law attorney to address specific questions about your case.
When you decide to employ a divorce attorney, the first meeting after you've signed the retainer contract will consist of in-depth legal questions regarding your divorce case.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Consultation
Attorneys utilize the initial consultation to get to know them and provide them with the opportunity to evaluate your case. After the consultation, your attorney will inform you of what they anticipate from the case, how much your fees will likely be, and more. If you provide the attorney with all the required information and documentation, their evaluation will be more precise.
- Make a list of events: Make a timeline of events that lead to your needing an attorney.
- Be Prepared to Respond to Sensitive questions: To allow your divorce attorney to comprehend your situation fully, they might be required to ask pointed and sometimes awkward questions. This is due to the fact that they must know all the information about your case in order to be effective. Don't worry about shocking your lawyer; they've probably heard it all before.
- Get Factual Information: By gathering factual information to provide your attorney, you'll be able to give them an advantage in the discovery process. These details could comprise the wedding date and information related to assets and liabilities.
THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING TO YOUR FIRST CONSULTATION WITH YOUR DIVORCE LAWYER
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Your marriage documents:
Your lawyer must be aware of the date and place where both of you are legally married. So, bring the original marriage certificate, as this will help your lawyer prove that you're legally married to your spouse, and the court may allow you a divorce.
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Documents for any marital or personal property:
Most of the divorce process involves finances, specifically the property's division and management. Your lawyer will need to know what the court will likely divide between you and your spouse.
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Tax returns, pay stubs and employment records:
The court can decide that one spouse pays maintenance to the other (also called spousal support or Alimony) to assist in the care of children or assist the other spouse in maintaining the same standard of living.
Providing your lawyer with evidence of your income via tax returns, pay stubs and employment records will help you determine what you and your spouse are entitled to receive or obligated to pay.
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Documents for any other income sources or investments:
Do you run a business or have other income sources that don't originate from a job?
Bring evidence of how much you earn and what you receive from these sources to assist your lawyer in determining the actual and total income. Bring these records to determine your spouse's or your own likely financial obligations to each other.
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Any other legal documents that impact your wedding:
Your divorce lawyer must be aware if you or your spouse are involved in any other legal issues.
For instance, if you have a restraining order against your partner, your lawyer should have a copy of it.
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Anything that could be "evidence" of your partner's wrongdoings in the marriage:
Many marriages end due to disagreements between spouses, and sometimes, there is some specific reason that leads to divorce. This is referred to as the "fault" divorce.
If you have evidence that you'd want to use as a reason for divorce, be sure your lawyer has this evidence. This could be evidence of any one of the following:
- Infidelity
- Domestic violence
- Other harm that your spouse has caused to you or your children
This could affect the outcome and the process of divorce, particularly in the case of a covenant marriage.
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A list of any other relevant facts:
If you have something specific you would like your attorney to learn about your wedding, your spouse or you, be sure you bring these details to the meeting.
For instance, if you financially supported your spouse through their final year of college, you could be entitled to compensation for that. Your divorce lawyer will know the essential information the court requires to know, so be sure to give your attorney everything you think they should be aware of.
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If you have any questions for your divorce lawyer:
Make sure you come to your appointment with your questions ready! It is easy to get lost in time and forget about the things you want to ask unless you write them out on paper in front of you.