LegalReader.com  ·  Legal News, Analysis, & Commentary

Lawsuits & Litigation

What to Know Before Your First Meeting with a Divorce Lawyer


— February 27, 2023

If you can provide all the necessary information at your first meeting, it will be more beneficial for you and the lawyer.


Problems in the family – with your partner can arise at any time, and they can result in causing serious troubles in your life. That is when many people decide to end their marriage to avoid further trouble with their partner. A divorce attorney is the one whom you should look for while planning to end your marriage. It is because there are numerous legal rights and conditions for getting divorced, especially if you have children. Being a commoner, you might not have enough idea about preparing yourself for the divorce, especially for supporting your case in court. 

A divorce attorney will provide you with the necessary advice and advocate for their clients seeking a divorce. The first meeting with a divorce lawyer is an important opportunity to know the lawyer’s competence and experience. It also allows you to set expectations for your upcoming divorce process, including communication methods such as phone calls and emails. Lawyers receive compensation based on their working time, so you must be prepared for your appointment. 

Essential things to consider during your meeting with a divorce attorney 

There are a lot of things to consider while planning to meet a divorce lawyer, and you should ensure that you are telling them everything. A divorce attorney will understand your needs and situation and, thus, will help support you with the necessary guidance. The primary thing to consider is to mention to your lawyer all the details about yourself, your spouse, and your children (if you have any). The details should include your personal information, address, your and your spouse’s occupation, etc. Apart from all these, it is also necessary to tell your lawyer about serious bad behaviors like drugs and violence. 

Ensure that you choose a well-experienced and qualified divorce lawyer 

It is important to choose a well-experienced attorney working with divorce cases and the necessary skills. Furthermore, it’s wise to explore reviews of that lawyer online and look into any complaints filed against them by other professionals. Additionally, you should check with state bar associations to ascertain whether anyone has lodged accusations of professional misconduct against this individual in the past. You must look for an attorney highly qualified for your specific divorce case. The complexity of divorce cases depends on numerous factors like the custody battle, whether you are involved in an international dispute, or if you are representing yourself in a divorce involving high-stakes financial issues. Thus, you must ensure that the attorney you choose has several years of experience in all such cases.

Lawyer working at desk; image by Sora Shimazaki, via Unsplash.com.
Lawyer working at desk; image by Sora Shimazaki, via Unsplash.com.

Also, choose a lawyer practicing in your area. For example, if you live in Waldorf, then you must contact Waldorf divorce attorneys, as they will be aware of local rules and regulations. 

Always choose a divorce lawyer who is suitable for your requirements 

Not all people need to hire a highly professional divorce lawyer for their case. If you seek a simple divorce without any children or assets, an attorney in your state who has been practicing law for a specified time may be best suited. You can ask the attorney if they have experience with this type of case to ensure they are the right fit for you. When hiring an attorney for a divorce, it is important to hire someone to help you stay positive. Such a lawyer will clearly explain your rights, obligations, and available options. 

Important questions that you should consider asking a divorce attorney

Preparing a list of questions before planning the meeting is an excellent way to remember everything said. By having your questions written down and leaving space for notes underneath each one, you will have no problem remembering what has to be discussed. When thinking about what questions to ask during your consultation, it is important to consider matters that are most important to you and your children. It includes considering your immediate concerns as well as long-term goals. The current phase of your life will eventually end, but your decisions will have a lasting impact. 

  1. Do you have enough experience with cases similar to mine?
  2. What can I expect by standing in my current situation?
  3. Can you tell me about the fee structure – the amount of money I will need for overall expenses?
  4. Are the legal rights regarding the custody of my children in my favor?
  5. What should I do after this meeting?

Conclusion 

Since it is the first meeting to discuss an individual’s divorce case, your partner might not be completely agreeing to end the marriage. So, divorce lawyers will help you with everything, whether it is the divorce you want or continuing with your current life to remain happy with some exceptions. If you can provide all the necessary information at your first meeting, it will be more beneficial for you and the lawyer.

Join the conversation!