10 Questions to Ask Your Divorce Attorney

Going through a divorce is never easy. It can be a time of immense emotion and stress, and it’s important to remember to take care of yourself during this challenging period. Law experts at JWB Family Law believe that one way to do this is by asking the right questions when consulting with your divorce attorney.

What should I ask my divorce attorney?

Here are ten questions that we suggest you ask your attorney before signing the papers.

1. How long have you been practicing family law?

This question will give you an idea of how experienced your attorney is in family law. It’s important to choose an attorney that has a thorough understanding of the legal system and specializes in family law so that they can help you navigate the complexities of divorce proceedings.

2. What kind of results have you achieved for clients?

Asking about past success stories will provide insight into how many cases your attorney has won in court and what kind of results they have been able to negotiate for their clients. This information should help you decide if they’re the right lawyer for you.

3. Do I need a mediator?

In some cases, it may be beneficial to use mediation instead of filing for divorce in court. Mediation allows couples to work through issues outside of court and can help resolve conflicts amicably without going through expensive legal proceedings. Your attorney should be able to advise whether or not this is a viable option for your situation.

4. What expenses do I need to consider? 

Divorce proceedings often involve substantial costs such as legal fees, court costs, and other expenses related to the division of assets or custody arrangements. Find out exactly what costs are involved so that you are aware upfront and can better plan accordingly with your finances during this process.

5. What documents do I need to bring? 

Your lawyer likely already has paperwork ready but make sure they know what documents are relevant to your case so they can best represent you in court or negotiations with lawyers from the other side involved in the case. Asking this question will ensure that nothing slips through unnoticed and you’re prepared for all eventualities as well as being proactive about possible outcomes with your case.

6. What happens if we end up in court?

Court cases involving divorce can quickly become complicated, which is why your lawyer must know how to navigate the legal system effectively. Ask them about their experience with similar cases and how they go about representing clients in various scenarios.

7. How much contact will there be between us?

Establishing clear expectations at the start ensures both parties understand who’s responsible for what tasks, when things need to be done, etc. Knowing these boundaries helps keep everything on track throughout all phases of litigation or mediation.

8. Who else will work on my case?  

If multiple lawyers are involved (e.g., if one handles negotiations while another handles litigation), it’s important that everyone stay on the same page throughout each stage of development. Ask who else will be working on your case, including paralegals, secretaries, etc., so that communication remains consistent throughout each phase of proceedings.

9. Are there any alternative solutions available?

It’s always helpful if an attorney looks at all options available when conducting divorce proceedings. Sometimes there might be solutions out there that neither party thought was possible prior to entering negotiations.

10. Are there any actions I should avoid taking before speaking with my lawyer?

Depending on where you live, certain actions taken prior to talking with an attorney may be seen as legally binding, even if unknowingly done. That’s why you should make sure you know exactly what steps are off-limits until proceeding further with litigation or mediation.

Final note

Going through a divorce doesn’t have to be overwhelming; having an experienced family law specialist on hand makes navigating this difficult situation a lot easier. Asking these ten questions during initial consultation sessions helps ensure clarity between both parties which enables smoother operation throughout all stages of proceedings.