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 need answers to before your meeting. If you fail to prepare and forget to inquire about important information, you may end up having to pay the attorney to answer those questions at a later time. Typically, 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 wish 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 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 treatments you and your lawyer need to follow to apply for divorce. The length of time essential to finish a divorce will constantly depend on the complexity of your circumstance, your attorney should provide you with a price quote of the timeline. If you work full-time or have other commitments that take in a bulk of your time, knowledge of important divorce procedures and the time commitments they need can assist you get ready for what lies ahead.
Alimony Issues
States have specific guidelines that determine whether a partner may seek spousal support from the other partner. Sometimes, eligibility relates to the length of your marriage, whether you or your partner stays at home to raise children, or even the disparity in incomes between spouses. Regardless of whether you are the spouse seeking the spousal support or have issues about your liability for its payment, raising the question during the preliminary assessment with your attorney can provide you with insight into your possible liabilities as you continue through the divorce.
Child Custody
When you have children with your partner, and are not able to privately concur regarding who will keep custody, it's important to comprehend from the beginning which elements are important to state judges when choosing which moms and dad to award custody to. You need to ask your lawyer what your chances are of obtaining custody of your kids. Because child click to read custody concerns often extend divorce procedures, it's finest to know which concerns are best to yield and which to challenge. You might likewise inquire about alternative disagreement resolution like mediation or arbitration if you feel going to trial is something you 'd like to avoid.
Dividing Marital Assets
A lot of state divorce laws offer an uncomplicated formula for designating joint possessions in between partners. However, the formula differs for each state considering that state property laws will determine the ownership rights of each spouse. It's essential to ask the divorce lawyer what the legal structure for splitting marital assets is in your state.
For more information, contact:
Clearwater Law Group
5205 West Clearwater Avenue
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 734-8500