April 06, 2022

5 Essential Questions to Ask a Divorce Lawyer

Practice Area: Family Law | Tag: Divorce

While most people don’t consider the possibility of divorce, you may find yourself in that position. The first step is speaking with an experienced New Jersey lawyer. You should be prepared with some of the most important questions to ask a divorce lawyer. When in the process of a divorce, your attorney can make or break the experience and the outcome. Continue reading to learn about 5 essential questions to ask a divorce lawyer.

1. “What experience do you have?”
   This question is crucial, so it should be your first one. You want a family law attorney who has the experience and expertise related to your case. Not only will an experienced lawyer do a better job, but they will be able to advise you on how to navigate a difficult situation. This will leave you better positioned for the future. In addition, this question will help you determine which attorney is the right attorney for you. Choosing an attorney is one of the most important choices you will make during a divorce. Feeling confident in your lawyer and the work they will be doing for you will be invaluable.

2. “What will our communication process look like?”
   You will be sending information to your attorney, and they will be sending things to you as well. It’s essential to clarify how they expect you to communicate and how you expect them to communicate. Some items will be digital, while others will need to be received as physical copies; you will want to know this ahead of time. It’s important to remember that a divorce is not just about paperwork. Emotions can arise during this time as well. You want to know how your lawyer will handle all aspects of your case, from emotional reactions to how paperwork is submitted. This will prepare you for what you can expect going forward.
    
3. “Now that we’ve discussed my situation, what potential problems do you see?” 
   You may not have considered the potential issues that can arise from a divorce. It can range from the custody of children, division of assets, infidelity, etc. It all depends on you and your ex-partner. An experienced attorney can provide you with some insight into what can make the case more difficult.
    
4. “What is an estimate of the cost?”
   Another one of the most important questions to ask a divorce lawyer relates to finances. More often than not, a divorce, especially ones involving children and significant assets, will cost more than anticipated. Discussing what to expect financially with your attorney during an initial call or consultation will give you a baseline as to what to expect. The old saying goes, ‘time is money’, and it’s typically the same with a divorce case; the more time a lawyer has to spend on your case, the more money it will cost you.
    
5. “This is my goal; does that affect your process?”
   While getting divorced typically is not a pleasant experience, it doesn’t have to be awful. Going in with a clear goal of how you would like things separated or how you would like things resolved is often a good starting point. It allows your attorney to be aware of your expectations and manage them if necessary. 

Ultimately divorce is not a decision that should be made lightly, but sometimes it is the right decision. Knowing that it can potentially be a long and drawn-out process will help you make a decision, and often, knowing what questions to ask a divorce lawyer can get you started on the right path. Who represents you in your divorce could make all the difference in the outcome of your case. The experts at Heymann & Fletcher will support and represent you each step of the way. Let’s Talk!