Getting divorced is a daunting task and an intimidating proposition. In many, if not most cases, hiring an experienced attorney to help you through the process is a sound strategy. However, that can be overwhelming in itself.
Finding the right lawyer—more specifically, the right lawyer for you and your case—is tough. (Remember, the best divorce attorney means different things in different cases.) And then you have to meet with your attorney. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prepare for your initial consultation.
Remember You’re Both Meeting For The First Time
Remember, while you’re meeting this attorney for the first time, the initial consultation also presents the opportunity to meet you. This provides a chance for both sides to make sure this is a good fit.
How this goes often differs from firm to firm. You may meet with a solo practitioner, who is the only attorney.
When it comes to firms with multiple lawyers, things vary even more. For example, at Goldberg Jones, after an initial consultation with our managing attorney, he pairs you with the attorney whose background best suits you and your case. However, having someone you’re comfortable with representing you is key.
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Make Sure You Can Communicate
Divorce is a traumatic time. You may not always think straight. Being able to clearly and accurately communicate your needs is a huge and important part of the process. If your lawyer doesn’t know what you want, it makes their job, and getting an optimal outcome, that much more difficult.
Your initial consultation is the time for you to gauge this connection. You don’t need to be best friends, but your divorce lawyer is someone you’ll work with closely. Making sure you can do that and communicate effectively is vital to your case’s success.
Is Your Lawyer Experienced In Your Area?
Some attorneys work in many areas. But it makes sense to hire a divorce attorney if you’re going through a divorce. Even then, there’s a lot of specialization, and the initial consultation is also the time to figure that out.
- Do you have kids? If so, a lawyer with experience in child custody cases may be best suited to your case.
- Is there a great deal of shared property to divide? An attorney with knowledge of high-asset divorces might be just what you need.
Whatever your specific criteria, make sure to ask the right questions. It could involve child custody, support payments, taxes, military service, pensions, or a business you and your spouse own together. It’s crucial to find a divorce lawyer who fits your case’s needs and criteria.
Ask About Fees And Billing
An initial consultation is a perfect time to discuss fees. Part of finding the right divorce attorney is being able to afford the right divorce attorney. Ask your lawyer to explain their billing practices right out of the gate.
- Do the costs break down hourly, by the half-hour, in 15-minute increments?
- Do they also charge for work done by support staff or for making phone calls and sending emails?
No one wants to get blindsided by a massive, unexpected bill.
Related Reading: What is the Average Cost of Divorce in Oregon?
What To Bring To An Initial Consultation
The more information a divorce attorney has, the better idea you’ll get about your case. So you’ll likely want to bring several documents to your initial consultation.
- Recent tax returns and lists of assets and financial obligations are pretty standard—the more complete your records, the better.
- Bank statements, credit card statements, mortgages, and auto loans are also typical.
- If you own a business with your spouse, bring any corporate tax records.
Basically, collect any pertinent documents ahead of time. This includes prenuptial agreements, any existing court orders, and more. It’s better to have information and not need it than the other way around.
Related Reading: How To File For Divorce- (Including Links to Forms)
Your initial divorce consultation with an attorney can be stressful. But knowing what to expect ahead of time goes a long way toward preparing you. It helps to know what to ask and what to look for. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but hopefully it gives you a better idea of what’s in store.
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