Most people who contact divorce lawyers have never interacted with them before. After all, it’s generally only a requirement if you need divorce advice after a separation. However, not being familiar with how divorce lawyers work might mean you don’t ask the right questions to receive all the necessary information. Ensure you learn everything you need to know about divorce proceedings by asking your new lawyer some of the following questions.
How Much Experience Do You Have?
Most divorce lawyers have an in-depth understanding of divorce law, which can be helpful when you have many questions relating to the events of the average divorce case. However, there’s no harm in asking about your chosen lawyer’s experience levels. The more experience and resources they have, the more skilled they might be in bringing your case to a successful conclusion with both parties satisfied with the outcome.
How Do You Communicate?
Divorce proceedings can be stressful, especially when you don’t have all the answers you need to plan the next phase of your life. You likely want to be able to ask your divorce lawyer questions, but some lawyers don’t open the lines of communication to make that possible.
When you first enlist the services of a divorce lawyer, ask how you can expect them to communicate. Some lawyers prefer phone calls during working hours, while others mostly communicate via email and SMS. When you learn their preferred contact method, you can generally expect smoother communication.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
Divorce can be expensive, especially when you factor in the division of assets, alimony, and child support. However, you will also typically be required to pay for your lawyer’s time.
Don’t hesitate to ask your divorce lawyer for their retainer fee and hourly rate information. The median divorce cost in the US is $7,000, with many couples spending an average of $15,000 to $20,000. Many couples often find that uncontested divorces are more affordable than contested ones. Some divorce lawyers publish their hourly rates, but their time is often broken down into tenths of hours, with clients being charged per six minutes of their lawyer’s time.
Will You Have a Strategy for My Case?
Every couple is different, so every divorce strategy is also often different. After you’ve had your initial consultation, inquire about the best plan for your unique case. Even if your lawyer can only provide you with general information, it might be all you need to enjoy peace of mind knowing your divorce proceedings are in safe hands.
How Long Will My Case Take?
Many couples going through a divorce want it to be over as soon as possible so they can move on with their lives. As a result, it’s only natural to question how long it will take until you’re officially divorced. Every case is different, but your chosen lawyer might be able to provide an estimated timeframe based on the facts of your case and your ex-spouse’s willingness to move through the process.
Divorce can be overwhelming, and you likely have many questions about how the process will play out. However, by starting with these questions above, you might learn everything you need to know to proceed with confidence.
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