7 Questions To Ask a Divorce Attorney at the Consultation
Meeting with a divorce attorney for an initial consultation before hiring them is a critical step in ensuring you choose the right representative, and it is essential that during the initial meeting, you come prepared with the right questions. Asking the right questions during a consultation with a divorce attorney can help you determine whether the attorney is right for you.
Below are seven important questions to ask a divorce attorney during your consultation;
- How much experience do you have with divorce cases?
Divorce law involves complex issues like property division, alimony, timesharing, child support, etc. Ensure the attorney is familiar with divorce law and has handled cases like yours before. For example, if you have children, choose someone with experience handling other divorce cases involving children.
- What’s your approach to divorce cases?
This question will give you some insight into the strategies the lawyer intends to employ in your case. If an attorney’s strategies don’t feel right to you, you may want to consult another lawyer. It’s crucial to find an approach that aligns with your goals. For instance, if an attorney is pushing for litigation, yet your goal is to try and resolve your case amicably without a court battle, for example, through mediation, you may want to consult another attorney.
- What is the divorce process like?
You will want to ask what you can expect during the divorce process. What steps will you need to go through? Ask about timelines, required documents, court appearances, and potential problems. Understanding the divorce process can help you prepare.
- What is the likely outcome of my case?
While no divorce lawyer can guarantee a particular outcome, the right attorney should be able to offer a realistic assessment based on their experience. They should be able to give you an idea of the best and worst-case scenarios. This can help you set realistic expectations and understand your case’s potential strengths and weaknesses.
- What are my rights in divorce?
It is crucial that you understand your legal rights in divorce and the measures you must take to protect your rights. The right divorce attorney should be able to advise you on issues such as property division, alimony, timesharing, and child support, ensuring you understand what you are entitled to and how best to protect your interests. For instance, when it comes to property division, the right Florida divorce lawyer should help you understand your right to equitable distribution.
- What will my legal fees be?
Find out about the attorney’s fee structure, including whether they charge an hourly rate or a flat fee. Are there additional costs? Ask if they can estimate how much your case might cost. Understanding legal fees from the beginning can allow you to determine if you can afford the lawyer.
- How will you communicate with me?
Effective communication is vital during a divorce. Find out how the attorney will be communicating with you and how often you can expect to hear from them. Ensure the attorney understands your expectations for communication.
Contact Our Lakeland, FL, Divorce Attorney
If you’re facing a divorce and are looking for an attorney to represent you, contact our skilled and dedicated Lakeland divorce attorney at Darla K. Snead, P.L., to schedule a consultation.
