When you first consider the possibility of a divorce, you will be filled with doubts as to your future and how a Phoenix divorce lawyer with experience can help you through the process and obtain the results you expect to move forward with your life. If this is how you feel, it is useful to write down a list of pertinent questions to ask your divorce attorney when you meet with them for the first time. Getting your worries off your chest will allow you to think more clearly about what the process entails. Here are some ideas you might want to consider.
Ask Them About Their Experience
You may have a valid concern as to whether this legal professional is the right one for you at this time. If so, take this opportunity to talk to them about their specific experience or about how many other cases similar to yours they have handled before. You want reassurance that you will be working with someone who will care about you and not hand over your case to an associate.
Ask Them About the Divorce Process
You do not need to be an expert on the area of divorce and it is a valid question to try to understand the divorce process and what to expect at each stage. You may also want to find out how much the divorce lawyer will charge you, what other costs you might expect to cover, how long the divorce process generally takes, and how much of your own time this will involve.
Ask Them How They Think the Judge Will Rule in Your Case
If you are having a tough time communicating with your spouse and think that the case might end up in court, you may want to ask your attorney how they believe the judge would rule in your case. This is when it is crucial to work with a lawyer who has experience in cases similar to yours because they will be able to tell you how the courts in your state usually decide issues like child custody and support, division of assets, and spousal support, among others, in cases similar to yours.
Ask Them About the Different Types of Divorce
It is important to discuss with your lawyer whether you think that your divorce will be an at-fault or a no-fault case, whether they are open to the idea of using a mediator or arbitrator, if it is possible to come to an agreement through a collaborative divorce, and other questions in this regard.
Ask Them About Communication
There are people who may feel more at ease knowing that their attorney is taking care of everything and just want communication when absolutely necessary, there are others who want to be involved in every step and participate in even the smallest details. Ask your lawyer how they like to work and see if their style matches yours. Otherwise, this may be a red flag that will not make it comfortable for you to work with them.