Did you know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there is one divorce every 36 seconds in the U.S.? That means that there are more than 2,000 divorces filed daily, and over 800,000 each year. So if you are facing divorce, you are certainly not alone.
Making the decision to file for divorce is never easy, as it can be emotionally trying for both you and your spouse, and also your children. But working with a lawyer that handles family law cases will make the process easier, and help answer all your questions. You can ask a family lawyer what is involved in filing, and inquire about anything may be concerning you.
Here are few questions to ask a family lawyer before you hire one. This will not only ease your tensions, but also ensure that you are working with the best lawyer possible.
- Child Custody. Most divorces involve painful discussions surrounding custody. Family lawyers will often be able to act as child custody attorneys as well, and will be well versed in this process. You can ask who is more likely to get your children, how visitation works, and if child support is a possibility. Studies show that almost 70% of the time, custodial mothers receive the support they need, as compared to roughly 30% of men. This may apply to your situation, but a lawyer will have more concrete answers for you.
- Cost. One of the most important questions to ask a divorce attorney is how much his or her services cost. Some lawyers charge per hour of consultation, and others only charge you after your case is over. You may be able to get a free initial meeting to talk about your divorce, but be sure to ask them about how much additional meetings will be. You should also be aware of court fees, paperwork filing costs, and any additional charges that come along with filing for divorce. Be sure that the lawyer you work with gives you the breakdown ahead of time so you have a rough estimate to work with during the process.
- Specific Experience. Not only should your attorney be able to answer all your family law questions, but he or she should have adequate experience handling divorces. If your case is more complicated, or it moves into litigation, you will want to make sure that your attorney can handle this. You can ask lawyers about their prior experience, talk to them about cases they have won, and possibly even ask for references. This will raise your chances of finding a high caliber lawyer.
Regardless of the questions you ask a family lawyer, your gut could be your best guide. You should feel comfortable with the attorney, and be able to talk to them about any situation during your divorce. This will significantly reduce your angst surrounding the entire process, and put your mind at relative ease. Read more articles like this.
