4 Questions To Ask When Meeting With A Divorce Attorney For The First Time

Are you getting ready to meet with a divorce attorney for the first time? The prospect can seem overwhelming, so it's a good idea to show up prepared with a list of questions for the lawyer to answer that will help ensure that you know what to expect during the divorce process. Here are some questions you can use to get your list started: 

Is Mediation an Option?

If you have a decent relationship with your soon-to-be ex, you may be able to settle your divorce through mediation services, Mediation gives both parties an opportunity to come together and compromise when it comes to things like alimony, child custody, and the division of assets. Mediation is usually less expensive than fighting it out in court. So, it's a good idea to make sure that your lawyer is willing to support and accommodate your quest to utilize mediation as you dissolve your marriage and make agreements that you'll need to abide by for months, if not years, to come.

How Are Family Issues Addressed?

Family dynamics should always be a priority during a divorce. If you have one or more children, it is important to make sure that the lawyer you're meeting with has experience working with families and dealing with family issues. They should be able to point you in the direction of reliable resources for things like counseling if your kids are having a hard time with your divorce. They should also have a specialist on hand that is trained to interview and work with children in case the kids must get involved for court reasons.

What Payment Options Are Available?

Getting divorced can be expensive, so it's important to find a lawyer to work with who is willing to be flexible when it comes to getting paid. If you can't afford to pay in full, be honest about your budget constraints upfront during your first meeting. This is the time to come to a payment agreement that both parties are happy with. If an agreement can't be made, you may end up having budgeting issues or even losing your legal representation before all is said and done.

What's the Turnaround Time for Inquiries?

Another question to ask when meeting with your divorce lawyer for the first time is what the turnaround time is for calls and emails that you send them. Whether it's a basic question about an upcoming meeting or you have serious concerns about a stipulation your spouse is requesting, you should expect to hear from your lawyer about your issues quickly. 

Contact a local divorce attorney to learn more. 


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