If you are in the process of finding the right divorce attorney to represent your case, searching for “divorce attorneys by me” on the internet is your first step. But there are a few steps that follow, such as the process of identifying what you need in a divorce attorney, interviewing prospective attorneys, and choosing the best divorce attorney to handle your case. Every divorce is unique and because of this, the individual attorney or firm who handled your friend or colleague’s divorce might not be the right one to handle your divorce. Choosing your divorce attorney is an investment, so take all the time you need to make a decision that makes you feel confident.
Legally, you do not need to work with an attorney to complete the divorce process. Filing for divorce on your own and completing your divorce without a lawyer is known as a pro se divorce. It is not recommended that you do this because you simply do not have the experience that a divorce lawyer has. Your lawyer can advocate for you and help you reach your ideal settlement. He or she can also advise you about any potential problems that can arise and how to navigate past them.
Every divorce involves the process of dividing the couple’s marital assets. In some divorces, this is the only element present. In others, the couple also has to determine an appropriate child custody arrangement for their children and determine a suitable child support order. Some individuals also seek spousal maintenance from their former partners. The length of your marriage, your asset and income levels, and whether you have children all play a role in how complicated the divorce process will be for you. Your lawyer can discuss these issues with you before you even file for divorce and help you develop a strong legal strategy for reaching your goals. For example, you might be very attached to your marital home. You may need to make compromises with other assets in order to retain your home after the divorce. Your lawyer can advise you about these compromises to determine a fair way to divide your marital assets.
You want to work with a lawyer who fits into your budget and makes you feel empowered to complete the divorce process. During your interviews with each lawyer, ask the following questions:
Ask about any specific issues you anticipate with your divorce. For example, if you or your spouse are in the military, ask each prospective lawyer about his or her experience with military divorces. If you are near retirement, this can impact how your assets are divided. Before you meet with a lawyer, write down a list of questions to ask during the consultation.
To learn more about the divorce process and what you can do to prepare yourself for it, speak with an experienced divorce attorney who has a record of representing cases similar to yours. Contact our team of divorce attorneys at Iafrate & Salassa, P.C. today to set up your initial consultation in our office.
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