What Should I Expect From an Initial Consultation With a Divorce Attorney?

 Posted on August 31, 2020 in Divorce

If you have made the decision to pursue a divorce, the first few steps of the process can be frightening and overwhelming. It is understandable that you would not know exactly what to do or what you should expect. You could also just be emotionally drained from trying to handle everything on your own. The good news is that a qualified divorce lawyer can help. Your attorney is an ally who is committed to protecting your rights and best interests while he or she guides you through the divorce process — and it all begins with your initial consultation. Before you go in for your first meeting, you should have an idea of what to expect and how to make the most of your time.

Understanding the Reason for Your Consultation

Many people assume that an initial consultation with a lawyer is basically a glorified sales pitch, but this is quite far from the truth. A legal consultation is not the lawyer’s attempt to sell you a service that you do not need. Rather, it is an opportunity to see if you and the lawyer — or the law firm as a whole — are a good match for one another. This is important because the attorney you choose will be your advocate and partner in the very serious matter of your divorce.

One thing to look for in your consultation is whether the lawyer is willing to listen and to make you feel protected. You should also feel that your attorney is knowledgeable in the areas that are likely to be points of contention in your divorce. For example, if your divorce involves particularly complex financial concerns, you should hire a lawyer who knows the laws as they pertain to identifying, evaluating, and dividing marital property and who has experience with complicated financial situations. If during the consultation you feel that the attorney is not up to the task, you should be willing to think about hiring someone else.

Be Prepared

A family law attorney is likely to spend most of the consultation trying to gather important details about you and your situation. For example, he or she may ask about your age, health, and employment status, as well as that of your spouse and your children. You may also be asked about your home, business interests, savings, debts, and other financial matters. It will be okay if you do not have all of the requested information on hand, but the more you can offer, the better.

You may also be inclined to compile a list of concerns and questions to bring with you to your consultation. The attorney should be open to answering your questions and addressing your concerns, which, in turn, can help you feel more at ease. By opening up the lines of communication in this way, you and the attorney can begin working together on finding the best way to handle your unique situation.

Schedule a Consultation With a St. Charles Family Lawyer Today

Whether you are ready to file your petition for divorce or you are just looking for more information about your available options, we can help. Contact one of the skilled Kane County divorce attorneys at Goostree Law Group today. Call 630-584-4800 for your free initial consultation with a member of our team.

Source:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/02/divorce-lawyer-advice_n_4661934.html