Five Questions To Ask Your Family Law Attorney

No client is ever happy to be in my office. I don’t blame them. Divorces are stressful and emotional, and meeting with an attorney can be overwhelming. To help make your first meeting with an attorney easier, here are some questions you should consider asking. The answers can help you determine whether the attorney will be a good fit for you.

1.     What will the process be like?

An attorney should be able to break down the process and explain it in terms you understand. You will likely have many questions while you are getting divorced, and it is important that you are able to communicate well with your attorney. Do you understand the attorney’s explanation, or is it filled with legal terms?  Does the attorney make you feel comfortable?

2.     What type of approach do you take?

It is important that you and your attorney have the same philosophy on how the divorce proceedings will be handled. Some clients are looking for an attorney who will be aggressive and “win.” Others want a negotiator, who can help the parties reach an agreement without a hearing. Make sure that the attorney you hire shares your philosophy on how the divorce proceedings will be handled.

3.     What options are open to me if I want to avoid a hearing?

There are many different ways you can get to a divorce decree. If you are getting along well with your spouse, you might consider meeting for a settlement conference with the attorneys or attending mediation before any documents are filed with the court. You can pursue the Collaborative Approach, which involves both parties meeting with their attorneys and other neutral professionals to work out a solution that is best for the family as a whole. Finally, you can file with the court and proceed to a contested hearing.

4.     What other resources are available to me?

You may have other needs that cannot be met by your attorney. Whether it is a counselor, mortgage broker, or attorney in a different area, your attorney may have a list of other professionals she works with that can help meet your non-legal needs.

5.     What if I can’t afford your fees?

Both you and the attorney should be up front about what it will cost to get divorced, and whether you can realistically afford that price. If you are concerned about the cost, ask about unbundled services, which allow you to pick and choose the services you need.