A divorce attorney practices law within an area of law known as "family law." A family law attorney deals with the legal relationships between family members.
The best move you can make if you are involved in or thinking about filing for divorce is to contact an experienced divorce attorney. Another thing you can do to ensure your interests and rights are protected as you proceed to file for this separation is proper planning. This will make the whole process go much more smoothly.
Because a divorce is probably one of the most stressful events a couple may have to go through,
careful planning by first choosing the best lawyer possible for the case can take a lot of worry out of the situation. The following is a check-list that can help you as you prepare to go through these trying times:
- Get the help you need. This means hiring a lawyer you can trust. Know the areas your lawyer specializes in, as some will particularly focus on work with individuals who initiate a divorce. There are, however lawyers that work with individuals on the receiving end. You should also be aware if there are conflicts of interest.
- It's important to stay healthy. It is well documented that extreme stress can be detrimental to your health.
- Gather financial papers and documents. Certain information and documents are essential to your case. Talk to your lawyer about any financial records for you and your spouse you may need to submit such as investments, pay stubs, tax returns, property ownership documents and more.
- Ensure that your finances are in order. Your lawyer might advise you to open separate credit and checking accounts. You can also ask your lawyer to check the laws of your state and see if you can get your own insurance.
- Establish a budget. Your lawyer might advise you to figure out how much money comes in between you and your spouse each month and how far one income will take you following the separation.
- Check on your beneficiary information. This includes any retirement funds, life insurance or other accounts.
Child custody, spousal support, child visitation, spousal abuse, dividing property, and more are also important issues when dealing with a divorce. As you speak to your divorce attorney during your consultation, be sure to provide detailed information as it relates to your case. You should discuss your desired outcome in all areas of the situation at hand with your lawyer. Your lawyer will begin to formulate a defense that is in your best interests. Before meeting with your lawyer for the first time, some questions you can prepare may include:
- What type of experience do you have handling divorces?
- Do you specialize in the area of family law that I need?
- What are my payment options for your legal services?
- What type of documentation do I need for my case, such as any trusts, deeds, an updated will, and bills of sale?
- How do you think a judge will rule on my case based on the information I gave you?
A professional lawyer will work alongside you through your divorce process to make sure you stay informed. When you are in need of a good divorce attorney, call and schedule a consultation to begin the process. A reputable attorney will use his or her integrity and will have the skill necessary to fight for your rights.
