Important Questions to Ask a Divorce Lawyer

Sometimes, deciding to get a divorce is an easy decision while other times, it’s difficult. Whether you are having a contested divorce or an uncontested divorce, hiring a divorce lawyer can help you through the process. There are many attorneys in the area who are experienced with divorce law and all the other factors that go with it, including child custody and child support. 

However, it’s important to choose the right divorce lawyer to support you in family law cases. The initial consultation you have with this family law attorney can help you determine if you feel comfortable with the representation of this attorney compared to other lawyers.

At the Law Office of Cosmas Onyia, we represent you every step of the way in the divorce process. This blog post provides you with valuable insights for seeking a divorce attorney by outlining critical questions you should ask during the first meeting to ensure you choose a law firm that will protect your best interest.

Questions to Ask Divorce Attorneys Before Starting the Divorce Process

Before you start your divorce case, the initial consultation with your lawyer can help you determine if they are the best choice for your needs. It helps to prepare questions ahead of that first visit, such as the ones listed below. You can also add more specific questions about your case if you’re concerned about legal separation, child custody, domestic violence, spousal support, or the negotiation process. 

The way that the attorney answers your questions can be incredibly revealing and may make them the best divorce lawyer to take on your case. 

What Is Your Experience with Divorce Cases?

A lawyer’s experience is incredibly important in your selection for representation. However, it’s not just about how many years they’ve been practicing law. It’s about their experience with the specifics of family law. A law firm may have attorneys who practice in different specialties of this area of the law, with some that focus more on child custody and family court, which can benefit you if you have legal custody concerns.

If you don’t have children, you may be wondering about spousal support and marital property, including property acquired, community property, or even separate property you may have had before entering into the marriage. Remember, an attorney will do more than help you serve divorce papers. You want to be sure they can protect you and represent your best interests in this divorce.

What Is Your Approach to Handling Such Cases?

Other lawyers may focus only on those essential documents. You want to weed those out and choose an attorney who has compassion towards you and your situation while being aggressive to ensure things are divided equally in your divorce.

In this initial meeting, ask them what they did to handle similar divorce cases. You can also expect that the attorney will ask you more questions to ensure they understand the unique factors in your case. They may ask about your employment status if your ex-wife or ex-husband is agreeable to a collaborative divorce; whether there are current real estate assets, business assets, or financial assets; if you have retirement accounts or investment accounts; is there a substance abuse, gambling addiction, or alcohol addiction present; and consider other family members living in the marital home.

Keep in mind this is just a tiny slice of what may be asked, though it is with the intent to find the best way to represent you. Meanwhile, you can discover the attorney’s demeanor and determine if you feel comfortable in their presence.

How Will You Communicate with Me During These Divorce Proceedings?

Communication is essential to convey important information as it arrives or to ensure your comfort even when nothing new has occurred. You should always choose legal counsel who keeps an open line of communication through phone calls, emails, or other methods. If there are papers or other legal documents to sign, your lawyer should notify you at once to have them completed. 

Additionally, it helps to find out if your attorney will be the one directly communicating with you or if they will have their office staff reach out. Go with the attorneys who take the time out of their schedules to get in touch with you directly. 

What Are the Potential Costs I Can Expect During My Divorce Case?

Divorce costs can vary widely, depending on the factors of each case. This is a great time to learn about your attorney’s fees and the billing process, along with the other potential costs so you’ll know what to expect. Your costs will certainly depend on whether or not this divorce is amicable. 

When spouses can agree, the division of assets goes more smoothly. However, one spouse may have hidden assets that will require forensic accountants to locate. Issues relevant to physical custody of minor children, credit card statements that reveal debt, financial disclosures and statements, marital funds, and turmoil over the family residence may also arise. 

What Outcomes Can I Expect If I Hire You as My Divorce Attorney?

When hiring an attorney to help you with your divorce, it is essential to understand that no one can guarantee a specific outcome. Instead, their track record for success can be revealing and provide the confidence you need to choose them for their legal services. 

As you discuss your circumstances with each attorney, you should gain a feel for how they plan their strategy. Personalized legal advice is preferred as a one-size-fits-all strategy can’t work for everyone. Your attorney will ask about your current custody arrangement amid your physical separation to see if you want that to change or stay the same, look at whether you and your spouse share property, analyze pay stubs to determine support needs, and much more. By digging deeper, they will be able to give you a more realistic estimate of the potential outcomes in your case.

Other Things to Know About Choosing a Divorce Attorney

Even when you know that parting ways is the best option for you and your spouse, divorce is difficult. You may have children that this decision will impact, or there may be other circumstances that pose a challenge. When you choose an attorney, select one with the right experience that makes you feel comfortable in their presence and answers your questions to your satisfaction. 

Additionally, it’s essential to choose an attorney that is in your local area. For example, selecting an attorney who practices family law in Southern California isn’t the best option, no matter how good they are. If you reside in Arizona and are married there, then you need an attorney who practices law in your state. They will have full knowledge of the applicable laws that pertain to your divorce. 

Cosmas Onyia, P.C. understands that Arizona family law matters can be tremendously complex. As such, we work to resolve these matters efficiently to help you move forward. It starts with determining your goals and then reviewing your legal options. Get the representation you need throughout every part of your case by scheduling your consultation to discuss these circumstances and the best way to resolve them in a way that meets your needs.