Divorce Lawyer Consultation: Questions to ask
When meeting with a divorce lawyer for an initial consultation, it's beneficial to obtain as much information as possible. Maximizing your time requires that you prepare a list of questions you need answers to before your meeting. If you fail to prepare and forget to inquire about important information, you may end up having to pay the attorney to answer those questions at a later time. Typically, your questions will likely relate to financial and child custody issues.
Lawyer Fee Structure
The very first concern you must ask the divorce attorney during the consultation is about her charge structure. Specifically, you wish to know whether the attorney will bill you for each hour she spends on your case, including the time she spends answering your questions, or whether it's a set cost. Given that divorce procedures can often take years to settle, you should get ready for the financial implications.
Divorce Procedures
Every state has different procedures you and your attorney must follow to file for divorce. The length of time needed to complete a divorce will always depend on the complexity of your situation, your attorney ought to provide you with a price quote of the timeline. If you work full-time or have other obligations that take in a bulk of your time, knowledge of vital divorce treatments and the time dedications they need can assist you get ready for what lies ahead.
Spousal support Issues
States have particular rules that dictate whether a partner might seek alimony from the other partner. Sometimes, eligibility associates with the length of your marriage, whether you or your partner stays at home to raise children, or even the discrepancy in revenues between partners. For that reason, regardless of whether you are the partner seeking the spousal support or have issues about your liability for its payment, raising the question throughout the initial assessment with your attorney can offer you with insight into your potential liabilities as you continue through the divorce.
Child Custody
You ought to ask your lawyer what your chances are of getting custody of your children. Given that child custody concerns sometimes extend divorce proceedings, it's best to understand which issues are best to concede and which to challenge.
Dividing Marital Assets
Most state divorce laws supply a straightforward formula for assigning joint properties between partners. However, the formula varies for each state considering this article that state property laws will dictate the ownership rights of each spouse. It's essential to ask the divorce legal representative what the legal framework for splitting marital possessions is in your state.
For more information, contact:
Clearwater Law Group
5205 West Clearwater Avenue
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 734-8500