4 Tips For A Successful First Conversation With Your Divorce Lawyer
Once you've made the decision to end your marriage, the first step to a successful divorce is getting in contact with a divorce lawyer. Whether you meet up in person or call them over the phone, here are four tips for making the most out of your first conversation with your divorce lawyer.
1. Don't be alarmed by personal questions
Most of the time, divorce lawyers will need to ask some personal questions in order to gain a better understanding of your needs as a client. While they might feel invasive at first, it's important that you don't feel alarmed or offended. Information about your family, your lifestyle, your finances and more is all necessary when it comes to building a case that works in your favour.
2. Don't lie to your lawyer
When you do receive personal questions from your divorce lawyer, it may be tempting to avoid responding truthfully. But it's important to remember that your lawyer is your partner in this process. It's important that they know about everything that led up to your final decision to end the marriage, what life was like during the marriage and how you're doing now. Don't lie about current relationships or your financial situation, no matter how hard it is to open up. If there are things you don't want to share with your lawyer at all, you don't have to answer their questions, but keep in mind that it will be difficult for them to help if they don't have all the information they need.
3. Ask questions of your own
Lawyers are there to help you through the best possible divorce, so don't hesitate to ask them any questions of your own. If you're unsure about matters relating to custody arrangements and child support payments or property division and alimony, try to write down your questions in advance so you remember to ask them. In addition, it's always a good idea to ask about the lawyer. Find out whether they'll manage your case directly or delegate it to another staff member, whether their fees are affordable and how long they expect the process to take.
4. Let them know what you want
A successful divorce is different for each individual person, so make sure you let your divorce lawyer know what you want to get out of the process. You might want to have the divorce to be finalized quickly, maximise how much child support will be paid, find a way to keep your marital home or protect certain investments. Whether your priorities are small or major, make sure you let your lawyer know what's important so they can get started working on the right solution for you.
To learn more, contact a divorce law solicitor.