Hiring an attorney can be difficult. Divorce is a sensitive and sometimes complicated matter. The process delves deeply into your private life, and you need to be comfortable working with the attorney you choose to review that information.
If you’re in the process of finding the right attorney, here’s what you need to know about preparing for your initial conversation and the questions you should ask before you hire your lawyer.
You probably have a lot of complaints you want to vent about, but your divorce attorney isn’t an emotional confidant. They’re only interested in the facts of the case.
A consultation usually lasts 30 minutes or less, and that’s all the time you have to get your lawyer up to speed about facts like the grounds for your divorce and what you’re seeking in the settlement.
A paid consultation is expensive. Your lawyer won’t stop you from talking about whatever you feel the need to talk about, but their hourly rate is usually much more expensive than a therapist’s rates. It’s best to save emotionally charged conversations for a mental health professional.
When you’re talking to a lawyer, you need to keep your mind in business mode.
Your first consultation may have a time limit. If it doesn’t have a time limit, you’ll likely pay for the time you spend speaking to your lawyer. The purpose of a consultation is to determine if a lawyer is the right fit for you. You need to establish that as quickly as possible.
Lawyers are very busy people. They tend to get to the heart of the matter very quickly. The lawyer you speak to will appreciate it if your information is organized and easily interpreted. They’ll also be able to help you quickly and effectively.
Prepare a concise summary you can deliver at the beginning of your conversation with this template:
I want to divorce my spouse of (duration) for (reason). We share (number) children. I would like to pursue (type of) custody. I (am or am not) seeking spousal support. We share (few, several, or many) assets. I would like to be awarded (list of assets) in our marital settlement. My spouse (is or is not) willing to negotiate our marital settlement outside of court.
If your divorce involves circumstances like domestic violence, substance abuse issues, or spousal abandonment, you should also tell a lawyer during your consultation.
You may have different options or resources made available to you if you cannot locate your spouse or if your spouse’s behavior may put you or your children in danger. Your lawyer may be able to help you take special precautions before your divorce begins.
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