Three Questions To Ask A Divorce Attorney At Your Initial Consultation

Making an appointment to consult with a divorce lawyer does not mean that you have decided to divorce your spouse. Divorce lawyers do not encourage people to get a divorce, they simply provide a service. However, they can give you information about the process and what the consequences can be. This type of attorney has both the legal knowledge of the divorce process and how a spouse may react during this process. Because of this, they can give you accurate information when you ask the right questions. The following are a few of these questions.

You Should Ask About the Financial Consequences

Divorce attorneys are not financial consultants, but they do have knowledge of how a married couple's joint property will be divided, and although there are no certainties on legal outcomes, attorneys have enough experience to give you a ballpark of what you are likely to receive. You can then make your own calculation as to what this will mean in your life. In general, couples are less well off economically after a divorce, at least for a few years.

You Should Ask About Custody of Your Children

Of course, this doesn't apply if you have no children, but if you do, you may have false assumptions about custody. Although there was a time when a mother was awarded custody in most divorces, today, it is more common for joint custody to be awarded by the courts. Family courts often want to see both parents participating in their children's upbringing. So if you want sole custody and your spouse to receive only visitation, you may discover that you have an uphill battle to fight. Knowing what you're in for ahead of time may help you decide what you want to do with your children.

You Should Ask About the Cost and Length of Time

Naturally, you will ask about the fees for a divorce, but you are likely to be unsure about paying for an attorney if your spouse controls the finances. In addition, you should ask about the length of time for a divorce, at least the initial court phase. You will likely be curious about how the process works, and what to expect from your spouse and his or her attorney. Even an amicable divorce can quickly turn belligerent, so you should understand what might happen.

The questions above are among the most important to ask when you first consult with a divorce attorney. None of these should be construed as meaning you should get a divorce, but after getting more information from a professional who knows the process, you can make an informed decision. You may want to go ahead with ending your marriage, but you may also decide to postpone it for any number of reasons. Reach out to a divorce law firm near you to learn more.

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