Your first meeting with a divorce lawyer can be a difficult yet crucial step in the divorce process. With the proper preparation, you can maximize the value of your initial consultation and leave with a clearer understanding of the path forward.
Here are four ways to prepare for your meeting with a divorce lawyer:
1. Research Your Attorney
Every lawyer is different. Research helps you decide which lawyer’s specialization, reputation, and billing structure best align with your needs. Finding a lawyer who specializes in family law ensures quality representation when it comes to divorce cases. A lawyer’s history with similar cases also reveals their credibility. However, budget concerns can often make or break your decision to hire a lawyer. Researching a lawyer’s fees in advance allows you to budget for legal costs and avoid surprises.
2. Gather Necessary Documents
Bring important legal documents such as bank statements, pay stubs, your marriage certificate, prenuptial agreements and any child-related documents to your first meeting with a divorce lawyer. Providing necessary documents upfront streamlines the initial consultation and allows your attorney to build a stronger case from the start. Also, potential challenges and legal strategies become easier to identify.
3. Prepare Your Questions
The divorce process can be complex and overwhelming. Asking questions helps clarify the legal process and avoid miscommunication. You may consider asking questions about communication preferences, timelines and financial obligations regarding your specific case. Having these questions answered upfront alleviates anxiety and prepares you for the next steps in the divorce process.
4. Set Realistic Goals
Assets, income, children and reasons for the divorce all impact which goals should be prioritized. Clear goals allow your lawyer to develop a personalized legal strategy so that you achieve the life you want after divorce. On the flip side, communicating goals helps your lawyer emotionally prepare you for the realistic circumstances of what can be achieved based on the law.
For more information about meeting with a divorce lawyer from Schmitt Law PLLC, please contact us here to schedule a consultation or call us directly at 616.608.4634.
