How to Be Prepared to Meet With a Divorce Lawyer

Meeting with a divorce lawyer can create a tremendous amount of anxiety. Divorce lawyers understand that their clients are going through a difficult time. The more prepared you are for your meeting and the better your frame of mind, the more efficiently your lawyer can begin to work for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• List of questions to ask
• <br>Relevant facts of your marriage.
• <br>List of assets and debts each partner brought to the marriage
• <br>Documentation of income and expenses and recent tax returns
• <br>Investment, employment, credit card and mortgage and real estate information.

1. Be frank, honest and forthcoming in providing your lawyer with the information she needs. The more efficient you are, the less time you will have to spend away from your regular activities and the anxiety and stress of the situation may be reduced.
2. Understand your lawyer's function. Your lawyer is there to help you solve legal and financial issues. If you want a shoulder to cry on or need psychological counseling, seek these services from the appropriate people. Using your lawyer as a sounding board on your marriage is a waste of your lawyer's time and your money.
3. Be prepared to tell your lawyer about your situation. Make a list of questions you want to ask.
4. Listen carefully as your lawyer explains the divorce process and its costs. Your lawyer can explain to you the possible consequences of each decision that has to be made. Determine whether you will charged a flat fee or whether you will be billed by the hour.
5. Most lawyers will provide tools for you to help you gather information. If you do the work the lawyer asks you to, you will save both time and money

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your lawyer if you can do things such as photocopying, filing court documents or delivering documents to the opposing attorney to save money.
• <br>Aggregate your questions. Calling your lawyer with several questions at one time will end up costing you less than calling each time you have a question or concern.