Top Twenty Questions to ask your Divorce Lawyer
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While it is hoped that these questions will be helpful to anyone who needs the advice, this is not to be confused with actual, real, legal advice.
- Will my divorce case go through the courts?
Thinking about going through a court process can seem like a lot when it comes to couples who are going through divorce. If everything is resolved amicably, then the court does not need to be involved.
- Do mothers automatically get custody of any children?
The courts will take the best interests of the children themselves into consideration when debating this issue.
- Does a divorce need to happen in the same place as the marriage?
Not always, but divorce law differs from place to place, so you will need to ask for advice to truly determine the answer to this question.
- What is the going rate?
Costs vary from place to place – a Washington divorce lawyer will be different from a Divorce Attorney in Salt Lake City, for example.
- How will I be charged?
The ways in which charges are applied are almost as varied as how much a lawyer costs – it could be monthly, upfront, at the end of the process….it depends on the lawyer.
- How long does a divorce take to go through?
This again depends on where you are, but once all the facts are down, then a lawyer should be able to give you an estimate of how long things will take.
- Will there be a single point of contact throughout the process?
There should be, but it is worth checking.
- Who will be working on my divorce?
This is worth checking before the case proceeds, so you can be sure who will be representing your case.
- How much experience will my lawyer have?
This is worth checking, because different lawyers have different levels of experience.
- Will the lawyer take on Legal Aid cases?
It does depend on the lawyer – you should check whether or not you are eligible before proceeding with the case.
- How does the process work?
This is difficult to explain, because laws can differ so widely. Ask before committing to anything.
- How often will I hear from the lawyer?
This is much like the cost question – it depends on the lawyer’s office, and the case.
- What will I be charged for?
It is important to know what you will be charge for, as this can change from lawyer to lawyer.
- Can I see the paperwork?
You should be able to see all the paperwork – it is about you, after all.
- How can I keep costs down?
There are many things to be done that can keep things from getting too expensive – it depends on the divorce.
- Will the divorce cost more if I caused the breakdown of the marriage?
Not necessarily – again, it depends on the state of things between you and your spouse.
- What if my finances change after I file?
This should definitely be a question that is asked – maybe a new payment plan could be devised.
- Do I need a divorce lawyer?
Ideally yes, but it once again depends on how amicable the split has been. You should ask the question, as the divorce process is a complicated one.
- How often do I need to come to the office?
If remote appointments work better for you, use them! Not all offices offer them, so make sure to ask during the initial meeting.
- Can I recover the legal costs from my ex-spouse?
It depends on the circumstances – ask during your first visit.
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