Divorce Lawyer Consultation: Questions to ask
When meeting with a divorce lawyer for an initial consultation, it's beneficial to obtain as much info as possible. Maximizing your time requires that you prepare a list of questions you require answers to before your meeting. If you fail to prepare and forget to inquire about important info, you may end up having to pay the attorney to answer those questions at a later time. Generally, your questions will likely relate to financial and child custody issues.
Lawyer Fee Structure
The very first concern you must ask the divorce attorney during the consultation is about her fee structure. Specifically, you want to know whether the attorney will bill you for each hour she spends on your case, including the time she invests addressing your concerns, or whether it's a set charge. Considering that divorce proceedings can in some cases take years to complete, you must prepare for the financial implications.
Divorce Procedures
Every state has various treatments you and your lawyer need to follow to declare divorce. The length of time needed to finish a divorce will always depend on the complexity of your situation, your attorney should supply you with a price quote of the timeline. If you work full-time or have other commitments that take in a majority of your time, knowledge of essential divorce procedures and the time dedications they need can assist you additional info get ready for what lies ahead.
Alimony Issues
States have particular guidelines that dictate whether a spouse may look for spousal support from the other spouse. In some cases, eligibility connects to the length of your marital relationship, whether you or your spouse stays home to raise children, or perhaps the inconsistency in profits between partners. Regardless of whether you are the spouse looking for the spousal support or have concerns about your liability for its payment, raising the question throughout the preliminary consultation with your attorney can supply you with insight into your prospective liabilities as you proceed through the divorce.
Kid Custody
When you have kids with your spouse, and are unable to independently concur as to who will retain custody, it's crucial to understand from the outset which aspects are very important to state judges when deciding which parent to award custody to. You should ask your lawyer what your possibilities are of obtaining custody of your kids. Considering that child custody issues often extend divorce proceedings, it's finest to know which issues are best to yield and which to challenge. You might also inquire about alternative conflict resolution like mediation or arbitration if you feel going to trial is something you 'd like to avoid.
Dividing Marital Assets
Many state divorce laws provide an uncomplicated formula for assigning joint assets in between spouses. However, the formula differs for each state because state home laws will determine the ownership rights of each spouse. It's crucial to ask the divorce lawyer what the legal structure 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