What Questions to Ask a Divorce Attorney?
If you are considering hiring a divorce attorney, you may be wondering what questions to ask a lawyer. Are you looking for a high-powered lawyer with an established practice? Or are you looking for a divorce attorney with extensive trial experience? The answers to these questions can help you decide whether or not you should hire an attorney. Below, we’ll discuss some of the most important questions to ask divorce lawyers. And make sure to ask them all!
(Family Law Missoula Attorneys at S. DeBoer Attorney at Law are committed to helping you face your family legal matters with expert legal assistance.)
Do I need a divorce attorney?
Some people wonder, “Do I need a divorce attorney?” The answer depends on several factors. For instance, if you have children, you might need legal help to protect your interests and ensure your kids are taken care of. If you suspect your spouse of hiding assets or misusing marital funds, you should consider hiring a divorce attorney. However, you do not need to hire an attorney if you have no children or a small number of assets.
If you are in the process of divorce, it’s a good idea to gather important documents before consulting an attorney. This will give your attorney a complete picture of your case and help you work together. To prepare, and gather all the relevant documents, including bank statements and credit card bills. Once you have the information you need, you should schedule a consultation. Depending on the type of case, your attorney will ask you about these documents, and will then determine how to best proceed in your case.
Do I need a strategy for my divorce?
Developing a strategy for your divorce is essential if you want to ensure that the result is positive and will be easier to live with in the future. Think about where you want to live, what you need for income, and what you cherish most about your former life. Also, consider what you will do with your children and any property. In most states, you will be required to create a parenting plan if you have children.
Divorce is stressful, but it does not have to be. You can begin by preparing your finances and being organized. Divorce is expensive – filing papers and paying a lawyer’s fees will cost you money. Every appearance, hearing, and motion will add to the cost. If you’re hiring an attorney, this will likely add even more costs. One of the best strategies for your divorce is to begin dividing your assets now and save as much money as possible during the process.
Do I need a big law firm?
Is it really necessary to hire a large law firm for my divorce? Many divorce lawyers agree. The big law firms have a very high divorce rate. This is because they put more focus on their work than on their relationships. In addition, attorneys at large firms are usually more competitive and likely to lose cases more often. That means they might have a better chance of winning your case if you hire an attorney who works with a smaller firm.
A smaller law firm specializing in family law is much more likely to offer personalized service and lower fees. The lawyers will know you and your case better. Big law firms typically have one or two divorce lawyers and many associates. This means you might only meet with your lawyer a couple of times. They may consult with one or two associates instead of you. While this may seem like a disadvantage, you will want a lawyer who has the time to focus on your case.
Do I need a lawyer with extensive trial experience?
The experience of your divorce attorney matters. While it is true that the majority of divorce cases are settled, the majority of divorces also end in a trial. Some studies place the divorce settlement rate at 90%. Others put it closer to 97%. Even if you choose to go to trial, you should find an attorney who has been in court and knows how to negotiate. A lawyer with extensive trial experience will be able to advise you on the best strategies to use during the divorce settlement process.
Trial-ready case. Trial-ready cases can typically be completed within six months of the preliminary conference. More complex cases may require longer. The assigned trial date is dependent on the court’s schedule. If you and your attorney agree on a case before the preliminary conference, the divorce attorney should be able to complete it within that time frame. If not, you should seek legal representation. This way, you can avoid expensive delays.