5 key questions for your first meeting with a divorce lawyer

Regardless of how positively you think of the situation, dealing with your divorce won’t be easy. Ending a marriage is not just about a piece of paper – Your decision will eventually impact your life ahead in many ways. It is always wise and necessary to consider legal representation, even if you think that your spouse is unlikely to cause problems. Before you look for an experienced divorce lawyer near me, here is a list of questions you need to ask.

• Have you handled divorces that are similar to mine? Divorces are often complicated and unique. In some states, including Alabama, the laws make it easier to finalize the process, but it can still take substantial effort to resolve the process. You need to be sure that the divorce lawyer has the knowledge of working on divorces that are similar to yours.

• What should I know about my rights? That’s another valid question. Alabama is an equitable distribution state when it comes to assets and debts. That doesn’t always translate to equal distribution, though. If you were a stay-at-home spouse for most of the marriage, you could be entitled to alimony too. Ask the attorney about your rights, what you can expect from the case, and your situation in particular.

• How will we communicate, and how often? Let’s get real – divorce lawyers are busy all the time. You cannot expect the attorney to talk to you every day like your therapist. However, they should be good communicators. You should be able to call their office and get updates on the case.

• What are the dos and don’ts I need to follow? A skilled divorce lawyer will explain what you should do during the process and things to avoid. For instance, if your spouse is someone who can cause serious threats, your lawyer may ask you to avoid direct communication. Make sure you have clear answers because this could be a complex aspect of the divorce.

• How much would you charge? People often hire divorce lawyers because they don’t want to pay the hefty fees. However, if yours is an uncontested divorce, you don’t have to pay a fortune. Lawyers usually charge a retainer fee or a fixed price, depending on the complexities of the divorce. It is best to have a clear idea of the possible costs and expenses in advance, and therefore, ask for an estimate.

Call a known divorce lawyer soon after you make a decision.