Divorce Lawyer Consultation: Questions to ask
When meeting with a divorce lawyer for an initial assessment, it's beneficial to get as much facts as possible. Optimizing your time requires that you prepare a list of questions you need answers to before your meeting. If you fail to prepare and forget to inquire about vital information, you may end up having to pay the attorney to answer those questions at a later time. Generally, your questions will likely relate to monetary and kid custody concerns.
Lawyer Fee Structure
The very first concern you must ask the divorce attorney during the consultation is about her charge structure. Specifically, you wish to know whether the attorney will bill you for each hour she spends on your case, including the time she spends addressing your concerns, or whether it's a set cost. Considering that divorce procedures can in some cases take years to complete, you should prepare for the financial implications.
Divorce Procedures
Every state has different procedures you and your lawyer need to follow to apply for divorce. The length of time essential to finish a divorce will always depend on the complexity of your situation, your lawyer must provide you with an estimate of the timeline. If you work full-time or have other obligations that consume a majority of your time, knowledge of necessary divorce procedures and the time commitments they need can help you prepare for what lies ahead.
Spousal support Issues
States have specific guidelines that dictate whether a partner may seek spousal support from the other partner. In some cases, eligibility connects to the length of your marriage, whether you or your partner stays at home to raise kids, or perhaps the inconsistency in incomes between partners. Therefore, no matter whether you are the spouse seeking the spousal support or have concerns about your liability for its payment, raising the concern during the preliminary consultation with your lawyer can offer you with insight into your possible liabilities as you proceed through the divorce.
Child Custody
You need to ask your attorney what your opportunities are of obtaining custody of helpful site your children. Considering that kid custody problems sometimes extend divorce procedures, it's finest to know which issues are best to yield and which to challenge.
Dividing Marital Assets
Most state divorce laws offer a simple formula for designating joint assets between partners. The formula differs for each state because state residential or commercial property laws will determine the ownership rights of each spouse. It's important to ask the divorce legal representative what the legal framework for splitting marital possessions is in your state.
For more information, contact:
Clearwater Law Group
5205 West Clearwater Avenue
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 734-8500