Divorce can be one of the most challenging life transitions you will ever go through. It can take a toll on your emotions, finances and social relationships.
Talk to Your Lawyer
Divorce lawyers are a close-knit community of traveling attorneys who often see each other at bar events or on the phone. While they are required to honor attorney-client privilege, it is not uncommon for divorce attorneys to vent to each other about their clients. It is essential to know that your lawyer’s relationships with other associates and support staff may also affect your case. You should make sure that you understand this before hiring a lawyer. Your lawyer should provide an overview of your case and explain how to resolve it. These methods include negotiation, mediation, arbitration and collaborative law.
Ask Questions
One of the essential parts of working with a divorce lawyer is asking questions. These questions will help you understand their qualifications and how they can best serve your needs. A good attorney will be able to answer these questions in a way that’s appropriate for your situation and will not overburden you with information. They should also be able to let you know how often they will contact you and how long it might take them to get back to you. This will help you set proper expectations and avoid frustration later on. Another important question is whether your case should be settled or taken to court. This can impact your choices regarding custody, child support and alimony. For instance, a seasoned divorce lawyer Yorktown Heights, NY, can advise you on decisions and have experience with other clients facing similar situations. This can be extremely helpful when it comes time to make a big decision.
Do Your Research
To ensure you work with the best divorce lawyer possible, you need to do your research. This can include talking to friends and family, doing online research, or asking for referrals from trusted sources. It’s important to find a lawyer who understands the law and is familiar with local court proceedings, especially regarding custody decisions. This will help your case run smoothly and save time and money. You’ll also want to look for a collaborative divorce specialist lawyer. These lawyers typically focus on negotiating out of court rather than going to trial and can save you from a long, drawn-out legal battle. Lastly, you’ll want to interview your potential lawyers thoroughly. This will give you an idea of their personality, experience and values. It’s also a good idea to ask for client references and testimonials.
Schedule a Consultation
A good lawyer will offer you a free consultation to discuss the legal issues that can affect your divorce. The attorney will also explain how your case can be resolved: through negotiation between you and your spouse, mediation, arbitration or litigation (going to court). In addition to discussing the issues in your case, a good lawyer should take time to learn about your hopes and concerns. They should make you feel comfortable and confident in their ability to help. You must prepare for your consultation by gathering and bringing your relevant documents. These documents may be related to your property, child support, and spousal support payments.
For example, if you are seeking child support, bring your recent pay stubs and year-end W2 statements for both parties. In addition, your attorney will need to know information regarding the children’s ages and addresses where they have lived during the past few years. This can be particularly helpful for assessing child custody and visitation schedules.
