Very few people enter into a marriage expecting that the marriage will fail. Yet, people grow apart or infidelity happens, and the entire texture of the marriage changes. That may help explain why there are approximately 750,000 divorces each year.
If your marriage seems destined to fail or you see signs that make you think it may head in that direction, you might rightly wonder when you should call a divorce lawyer.
Do you wait until you’re sure? Do you call sooner? Once you do call, what should you ask them?
Keep reading for a quick look at when to call and five questions to ask them.
When to Call
There is no fixed point in a marriage when you should contact a divorce law firm. For some people, the time is when they first consider ending the marriage. The call provides information and context.
For others, the moment comes when they mentally commit to getting a divorce. You must decide for yourself which moment is right for you. Now, let’s move on to the questions.
1. Ask What They Need to Know
During the initial call, it’s best if you let the lawyer guide the information sharing. What seems most important to you may not matter as much from a legal perspective. If you let them, divorce attorneys will guide you to what they most need to know from you.
2. Ask About the Process
State law sets the process for divorce, which means that things can vary a great deal from one state to the next. For example, let’s say that your parents divorced in Virginia. If you live in Texas, you can’t expect things to run the same way.
A divorce lawyer can help you understand what to expect.
3. Child Custody
For any married person with kids, child custody is almost always a key concern in a divorce. The lawyer can explain the major factors the court uses to decide on custody issues.
4. Costs
You should always ask about the overall costs of divorce. Ask about best and worst-case scenarios. In most cases, the attorney can also give you tips on keeping costs down, such as uncontested, mediated, and collaborative divorces.
5. What Now?
While the realities of divorce proceedings may encourage you to work on your marriage, you may decide divorce is the right decision. If so, you should ask the attorney what next steps you should take.
At that point, the attorney may suggest you move out, gather documents, or other advice tailored to your situation.
Calling a Divorce Lawyer
Calling a divorce lawyer often feels like a monumental and decisive action. Remember that calling or even meeting with a divorce attorney isn’t a commitment to divorce. It’s a fact-finding activity.
You learn about the process, some of the relevant laws, and what kind of costs you can expect. This information lets you make an informed choice about what to do next. Maybe it does mean divorce, but it may mean trying to make your marriage work.
Looking for more relationship and marriage tips? Check out the posts in our Lifestyle section.
Very few people enter into a marriage expecting that the marriage will fail. Yet, people grow apart or infidelity happens, and the entire texture of the marriage changes. That may help explain why there are approximately 750,000 divorces each year.
If your marriage seems destined to fail or you see signs that make you think it may head in that direction, you might rightly wonder when you should call a divorce lawyer.
Do you wait until you’re sure? Do you call sooner? Once you do call, what should you ask them?
Keep reading for a quick look at when to call and five questions to ask them.
When to Call
There is no fixed point in a marriage when you should contact a divorce law firm. For some people, the time is when they first consider ending the marriage. The call provides information and context.
For others, the moment comes when they mentally commit to getting a divorce. You must decide for yourself which moment is right for you. Now, let’s move on to the questions.
1. Ask What They Need to Know
During the initial call, it’s best if you let the lawyer guide the information sharing. What seems most important to you may not matter as much from a legal perspective. If you let them, divorce attorneys will guide you to what they most need to know from you.
2. Ask About the Process
State law sets the process for divorce, which means that things can vary a great deal from one state to the next. For example, let’s say that your parents divorced in Virginia. If you live in Texas, you can’t expect things to run the same way.
A divorce lawyer can help you understand what to expect.
3. Child Custody
For any married person with kids, child custody is almost always a key concern in a divorce. The lawyer can explain the major factors the court uses to decide on custody issues.
4. Costs
You should always ask about the overall costs of divorce. Ask about best and worst-case scenarios. In most cases, the attorney can also give you tips on keeping costs down, such as uncontested, mediated, and collaborative divorces.
5. What Now?
While the realities of divorce proceedings may encourage you to work on your marriage, you may decide divorce is the right decision. If so, you should ask the attorney what next steps you should take.
At that point, the attorney may suggest you move out, gather documents, or other advice tailored to your situation.
Calling a Divorce Lawyer
Calling a divorce lawyer often feels like a monumental and decisive action. Remember that calling or even meeting with a divorce attorney isn’t a commitment to divorce. It’s a fact-finding activity.
You learn about the process, some of the relevant laws, and what kind of costs you can expect. This information lets you make an informed choice about what to do next. Maybe it does mean divorce, but it may mean trying to make your marriage work.
Looking for more relationship and marriage tips? Check out the posts in our Lifestyle section.
