Consultation With a Divorce Lawyer
The decision to consult a divorce lawyer is an event signifying the possible end to one of life's most significant and joyous occasions, marriage. It may be a very emotional meeting, particularly if the impending divorce is going to be unexpected by your spouse or if the underlying reasons for the divorce are potentially contentious.
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Preparing for the Consultation
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Approach the initial consultation with your divorce lawyer with as much information as possible. Your decision to seek advice from a divorce lawyer will affect at least two individuals and possibly more if there are children involved. Prepare for your consultation with all the documentation necessary to make your visit a productive one.
Be Willing to Engage in Full Disclosure
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This is not a meeting to withhold information. All lawyers are bound by attorney-client privilege, so anything you share with your lawyer should never be repeated to others who are not directly involved in the divorce proceedings. Depending on the circumstances of the separation, you may be asked to answer questions concerning finances, sex and other issues. Your lawyer should foster an environment that encourages full disclosure, even in discussing very personal and sensitive matters.
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Trust Your Lawyer's Expertise
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In addition to the attorney-client privilege, your lawyer should be someone you trust implicitly. She is providing you with the guidance you need to make a life-altering decision for you, your spouse and your children. Provided you have done your homework in finding a capable divorce lawyers, this is not the time to second-guess the lawyer's expertise.
Determine What's Important
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Prior to your initial consultation, consider what is important to you. Give serious thought to the impact a divorce will have on your marriage and your life after marriage. If you have children, consider how this divorce will affect their lives as well. Following through divorce proceedings does not necessarily have to disrupt your children's lives if you and your spouse work hard to ensure that your children understand they are not to blame for the divorce. Importantly, be prepared to discuss in an open, honest and age-appropriate manner with your children why you and your spouse have decided to end your marriage.
Promise to Remain Civil
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Divorce is often stigmatized, thanks to the media and public opinion. The dissolution of a marriage can be amicable, however, if both spouses commit to maintaining civility throughout the divorce proceedings. In consultation with your lawyer, approach each step of your divorce with maturity, firm resolve and the desire to end your marriage on the best possible terms for all involved.
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