You have decided to divorce or maybe your spouse has served you with divorce papers. What do you do now?
Divorce requires a lot of preparation and it is not something that will happen overnight. The first thing you can do to help you navigate this process in the most easy and stress-free way possible is to hire a divorce attorney. You may be anxious about meeting with one for the first time. What information will they need? What questions should you ask? Here is what you can expect.
What occurs during your first meeting with your lawyer will depend on your circumstances. For example, if you are in an emergency situation—such as domestic violence or a spouse who has drained bank accounts—then your lawyer will guide you through these issues and help you protect your finances and safety.
If these situations do not apply, then the first meeting will be primarily an introduction, in which the lawyer will get to know you and your situation more in-depth. Your lawyer will want to know more about your spouse and children (if any) so they can determine the best course of action.
Your lawyer will also advise you of any possible conflicts that may arise, such as child custody, child support, alimony, and division of assets or debts. They will also advise you of the various divorce processes and resolutions available, such as mediation and litigation. Your lawyer can help explain these processes and how they’ll affect your specific case. If you and your spouse agree on all issues, then you may qualify for an uncontested divorce, which can save you time and money.
You may want to know about payment, how long the process will take, and what you can expect along the way. Be sure to bring these questions to your lawyer’s attention. They want you to be as informed and prepared as possible. If you decide to proceed with the divorce, you will be tasked with gathering all your financial information. This includes assets, such as pay stubs, bank statements, car titles, and deeds to houses. It also includes debts, such as credit card bills, mortgages, car loans, personal loans, and student loans. This helps ensure that the court has the information necessary to make a fair division of assets and liability.
It is important to remember that your meeting with the lawyer will be confidential. So until you are ready to file for divorce, the issues discussed in your meeting will remain private.
Divorce involves a variety of legal and emotional components. It is a complicated process, so make sure you set yourself up for the best possible legal advocate. You can count on the divorce attorneys at Hammer Serna & Quinn, LLC to guide you through the process and help obtain the best resolution. Call our office or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation with our firm.
Call or email Hammer Serna & Quinn, LLC today to schedule a consultation.