Divorce. It’s not something that is taken lightly. It’s not something that many want to do. But, when the end of the road is apparent, divorce may be the only option. During this sad time, there are some things to consider. After all, legally ending a marriage is not an easy process. While a reputable attorney will strive to make this process as stress-free and painless as possible, there are some important things that you need to consider.
Being prepared is the key to making sure that your divorce goes without a hitch. But, before you go head-first into this decision, you need to make sure that you are armed with the right questions for your divorce lawyer.
Do You Know My Spouse?
The world is a small place. So, if you are using a local divorce lawyer, it’s imperative that you ask your attorney if they know your spouse. If they do, it may be time to find a new lawyer. After all, they may have vested interests in your spouse. This can cause a conflict of interest. You need to use a lawyer that is impartial and that will work on your behalf.
What is the Quickest Way to Get Divorced?
There are quick ways to get divorced. Your lawyer should advise you of these. The quickest way is to ensure that everyone agrees on what is on the papers and that settlements are agreed to as soon as possible. If there are no disputes about child care, finances and the reasons why you are divorcing, the process should be relatively straightforward. Disputes, however, will see this process being longer than necessary.
What is the Divorce Process?
The process of divorce differs from lawyer to lawyer. But, asking your attorney about what their process is imperative. In many cases, a petition is filed, and a response is needed from the other party. If this is done, without the need for mediation or court hearings regarding settlements, all that is left is the final petition and the paperwork to be filed. Of course, this is the best case scenario. But, your circumstances and individual family factors can make the process lengthier, or shorter. It all depends on
What Are Your Fees?
Always, without a doubt, ask about fees up front. Ask for a quote on how much the whole process will cost. That way, you can ensure that you have the funds available. Being quoted by the hour for a process like a divorce will see you out of pocket. A good lawyer will give you an overall cost.
How Can We Make Divorce Less Stressful?
Not all couples go through a bitter divorce process. On the contrary, many ex-couples want to ensure that stress and hurt are minimised during this time. Cooperation and communication is the key. Agreeing on the division of assets and not quibbling over pennies is the best thing that you can do. Experienced divorce lawyers know the best practices to make this a stress-free endeavour.
Always ask about what you can expect from the process and what will happen along every step of the way. This is a great way to minimise the stress from divorce proceedings. Things can get in the way, but talking with your lawyer is one of the most important things that you can do. That way, the divorce can be smoother and easier to complete.