How To Get The Most Out Of Your Interactions With A Divorce Lawyer
Hiring a divorce lawyer can be expensive but is essential if you wish to get a fair settlement with minimal fuss. By following the tips in this brief guide, you can ensure that you get the most for your money when hiring a divorce lawyer.
Choose A Divorce Lawyer Who Suits Your Needs
A simple way to ensure good value is to choose a lawyer who suits your individual needs. For example, if you have any specific needs (such as complex property ownership), ask if your lawyer is knowledgable in that area. You should also look carefully at the prices of different divorce lawyers and choose one that both you and your former spouse can afford, as well as one whose office you can both easily get to. Finally, as the American Association of Marital Lawyers points out, you should choose a lawyer who you feels listens to you and to whom you can tell detailed, intimate things about your marriage.
Keep Detailed Notes On The Process
Being disorganised can waste a lot of time and stop you from making the most of your time with a divorce lawyer. First, you should make sure they have all the paperwork they need and write down exactly what you've given them. LiveAbout has a comprehensive list of the paperwork your lawyer will need in order to work effectively, from mortgage documents to car leases and income-related papers. You should also keep a record of what you've told them and the answers to any questions you asked them to keep your memory fresh. This will save time and will mean the process goes faster.
Try To Be Civil And Fair With Your Former Spouse
It's natural to have all kinds of feelings about the breakdown of your marriage, but you should keep your family law sessions civil, professional and productive. When coming to a settlement on the division of your property, Psychology Today explains that you should avoid trying to get more than your fair share, but you should also avoid giving too much. Either path can lead to long-term resentment. Try not to waste time with bitterness and argumentative behaviour during your appointments, and try to stick to discussing practicalities rather than your feelings or the negative things your spouse did.
While divorce is always a difficult time, there are practical ways to get the most out of your interactions with a divorce lawyer, such as choosing a lawyer wisely and keeping good records. By communicating well with your lawyer, you can make the process as short and low-stress as possible.
