No one walks into a loving marriage hoping to get a divorce. However, if it ever becomes a necessity, you have to be well prepared. To get divorced, the first thing you need is proper representation. A divorce attorney will offer legal expertise and represent your interests in court throughout the divorce process.
If you are getting divorced for the first time, you probably don’t know much about the process. Getting in touch with your divorce attorney for the first time can be uncomfortable. This is why you should walk in well-prepared.
There are so many things to know before you sit down for your divorce lawyer’s first consultation on the dissolution of your marriage.
Four Common Issues that Arise During Divorce
Just as everyone’s marital journey is different, the dissolution of marriages is also different. Lawyers work based on the circumstances of the couples involved and the laws of the state they are in.
However, four common categories usually arise during every divorce proceeding.
- Custody Arrangements: This is usually the most difficult part of every divorce. If you have children with your spouse, both of you will need to reach an agreement on where the children will live especially if they are minors. Are you going to be sharing custody or will one of you have sole custody?
- Child Support: How are the children going to be supported? If you have minor children, this is a conversation that cannot be avoided. Your attorney can calculate this and inform you of the financial obligation to the children.
- Alimony: There is no specific amount for spousal support. This is usually negotiated during the proceedings. However, your lawyer can draft agreements and educate you on the financial support you should expect.
- Assets Division: This can be another challenging process when dissolving a marital union. The assets that were accumulated during the marriage will have to be divided and shared. Your attorney will look into the properties accumulated and ensure you get what is rightly yours depending on your situation.
What to Expect during your First meeting Before Meeting with a Divorce Attorney
There are so many emotions that can come up when you are in the process of getting divorced. You can feel hurt, betrayed, sad, or even relieved. However, whatever emotion you are processing, you still have to prepare for that first divorce attorney consultation.
Below is a general idea of what to expect in your initial divorce lawyer appointment.
Before the Meeting
When preparing for a divorce attorney meeting for the first time, you have to do your research. Once you have done this, you have to know your initial visit expectations. This ensures you have all the information you need and can ask appropriate questions.
Additionally, you should be ready to explain the dynamics of your marriage to your lawyer. They need to know everything that happened in your marriage and what led to the dissolution.
Below are some of the information you will need to provide your lawyer:
- When you got married and when you decided to get a divorce
- The number of children you have and their ages
- Summary of the assets that were accumulated during the duration of the marriage
- What led to the dissolution of the marriage
Go to the meeting with an open mind and be ready to provide your lawyer with the necessary information needed to represent you in court. They will listen to you and offer advice after reviewing your situation.
During the Meeting
Review Contract
If you have decided on choosing a divorce attorney, your first meeting will probably involve reviewing your contract. This will state the legal fees, responsibilities, payments, and other information to establish the start of your contract.
You should establish trust and have them explain their legal services and responsibilities to you. Once you have done this, you can sign the contract and finalize your agreement.
Be Comfortable And Honest
After the contract has been signed, you can discuss your case with them. At this point, you need to be comfortable and honest. Your lawyer needs to know everything that went down during the duration of your marriage. It can be uncomfortable to share these details with a third party but the conversation needs to happen.
They need to understand everything that happened and how it happened. Let them know if there is any issue of abuse, infidelity, and so on. This will help them understand your situation and explore options that are available for you.
You have to be open to your attorney to avoid any surprise revelation in court. Not being honest can backfire and impact your case negatively.
Listen And Ask Questions
Your divorce attorney will listen to your situation and give you the options available to you. If your case can be handled with mediation, they will inform you. Not all divorce cases have to end up in the courtroom. This can help save time and resources.
You will need to trust their expertise and consider whatever options they give you.
Don’t be shy to ask questions if you have anything that is bothering you. It is their responsibility to guide you and educate you. You should trust your lawyer and understand that they are working in your best interest.
After the Meeting
When you are walking out after the initial divorce lawyer appointment, you should be informed about your divorce litigation. Your lawyer should have educated you on the possible outcome of your case.
You have to walk into that meeting with a list of questions and walk out with a clear perspective. Both of you will come up with strategies and plans that will ensure the success of your case.
Conclusion
The first meeting with a divorce attorney is about signing contracts, getting answers to questions, and exploring options for your situation. Your attorney is going to educate you on how the court system operates, how long your divorce proceeding might last, custodial rights, and the division of marital assets.
