Choosing the right lawyer to guide you through the divorce process is crucial to the success of the process. When you meet divorce lawyers or a family lawyer for the first consultation, it’s important that you have as much information as possible. Most lawyers will offer a first free consultation and it’s imperative that you maximize the opportunity. You need to be well prepared and inquire about all the details that are vital to your case. In this post, we tell you important questions that you relating to child custody, divorce and assets before hiring the high asset lawyer or the divorce lawyer.
Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring the Divorce Lawyer
- Lawyer Fee Structure
Below are some of the questions you can ask the best divorce lawyer concerning fees and cost.
How do you charge for your services?
Most lawyers charge a by the hour fee, but some charge a fixed rate. It’s important that you understand how the lawyer’s fee structure so that there is no misunderstanding in the future. Most lawyers will ask for a retainer and the rest of the fees are billed hourly.
Will there be any additional fees arising?
Confirm whether there are third party fees such as court reporter fees that may arise later in the case. Let the family lawyer provide an estimate of the expected third-party fees.
Can you estimate the total cost of the case and can you give a cost breakdown for each phase?
Ask the family lawyer to give an estimate of the fees and cost you are likely to incur. It may not be possible to get the exact bill as most lawyer’s bill per hour. A lawyer with experience will be able to give you an estimate of the cost for a particular case. Alternatively, get the estimate for each phase of your case to ensure that you are ready for each phase.
What is the estimated cost for the various Experts?
If you need an expert witness for your case, it’s important that you consider the fees that will be incurred. You will need to add such cost to your budget. The right expert witness will play a crucial role in your case and its important that you consider such cost
How do I pay for your services?
It’s important to understand how the lawyer expects you to make the payment. Does the lawyer accept personal checks or electronic transfers? Make sure you confirm the mode payment to avoid delays in your case.
What are the divorce Procedures?
Each state has different procedures and it’s important that you understand the procedure for the state you live in. The divorce lawyer should be able to give you a timeline on the case completion date. It’s important that you know the divorce schedule so that you can align your work to the case schedule. If you work full time you will need to take time off to prepare for the case.
What alimony Issues are likely to arise
Different states have different rules that dictate whether one can seek for alimony. Alimony will however also depend on the length of the marriage, whether your spouse stays at home to raise the children and the difference in earnings between you and your spouse. It’s important that you raise the alimony question on during the early stages of consultation so that you are aware of other liabilities you may need to take off as you go through the divorce process.
Child Custody Question
If you and your spouse can’t agree on how to raise the children, it’s important that you ask the child support lawyers questions pertaining to child custody. You need to understand the factors that determine child custody and how you can ensure that you win. It’s best that you understand issues that you can challenge and those that you accept.
How are the Marital Assets going to be split?
The formula used to allocate joint assets between spouses differs in different states. It’s therefore important that you understand the legal framework for splitting assets in your state are and what that means for you.
Below some tips to help you choose a lawyer to make your process smoother.
Crucial Tips to Make the Divorce More Smooth
- Know what you want. Don’t wander through the divorce process wondering what you want.
- Understand your credit and financial position. Make sure that you have well-kept financial records
- Get the best divorce lawyer to be on your team. While it’s critical that you consider the cost of hiring the lawyer, ensure you have the best in your team.
- Make sure you have a budget for the divorce process
Before you visit the high asset divorce attorney Fairfax, it’s important that you write all the important questions and concerns. Writing the questions will ensure that you don’t forget to ask an important and crucial question.