So, you’re at the end of the road of your marriage. It’s time to swallow that bitter pill, that is divorce. For this, you’ll probably need a divorce attorney to streamline the process. So, here are some things an attorney will ask you when you proceed with the divorce.
What Is The Reason For Your Divorce?
This question is probably the first and most important one that a divorce lawyer will ask you. The reason for your divorce is important to know because this is the very foundation on which your case will be built and proceed in court. So, the reason for your separation is quite crucial. It also needs to be a valid reason.
Divorce is no joke and it’s not wise to go over it on a whim. You need to have a solid reason why you’re divorcing your spouse. It could be due to several reasons. Maybe your spouse is subjecting you and your kids to abuse, there might be neglect, maybe there’s infidelity involved, or maybe your spouse isn’t fulfilling your financial needs if you’re dependent on them. So, you need to lay it out in front of the attorney, because then they will get the bigger picture.
What Is Your Financial Status?
The next thing to go over is your financial status. It’s something that you need to be transparent about with your attorney because they want to know how you can proceed with the divorce. Let’s be real – divorces can be really expensive and you don’t want to dig another hole for yourself. You need to be open and honest about how you can finance the divorce proceedings.
If you don’t have a lot of funds to stretch a lengthy divorce process, then tell your attorney this and they will try to curb it as much as possible. It will only be better for you in the long run.
Do You And Your Spouse Have Kids?
The next thing your attorney will ask you is about your kids. Some couples don’t have kids when they’re going through a divorce, while others might have. So, having kids changes the divorce dynamic a lot.
Now, you don’t just have to worry about your divorce, but also the child custody and how you want the kids to be added to this equation. So, it’s important for the attorney to get a full scope of your family dynamic.
What Do You Expect?
If you know anything about divorces, then they’re a constant battle of negotiating and meeting in the middle. You might want a lot of things from the divorce, but honestly, that is not going to happen. So, it’s best that you lay out the expectations in front of your attorney first.
They will get an idea about what are your priorities and what you need from the divorce by the end of it all. You need to think these things through and not be rash with the decision because this is about how you will be able to survive for the time being after the divorce until you get back on your feet.
Have You Been Separated?
Were you guys living together when you decided on getting divorced or was there a separation before? There are two types of separation. One is an informal separation in which you guys are not legally divorced but aren’t living together anymore.
The second type is formal or legal separation and that is done with the court or at least a lawyer involved. So, you want to let the family attorney Fairfax VA know if you’re legally separated or not, as this will affect cases of alimony, child custody, and other nitty gritty things.
Details Of Shared Assets With Your Spouse
Again, this is something that you have to share with your divorce lawyer so that they can get an idea as to what they’re up against and what they have to fight for. You and your spouse might have some property and debts together. Whether it be tangible properties, bank accounts, savings accounts, bonds, etc.
These things are jointly made by spouses and if you’re getting a divorce, then you are obligated to get a share of it, depending on where you live. So, this is crucial for the lawyer to know. If you don’t tell them, well, you are only fanning the fire in your house.
Are You Employed Right Now?
This is another very important question that the lawyer will ask you and this will determine basic things needed in a divorce. Not only will the lawyer ask about your employment status, but your spouse’s employment status as well.
They will ask general questions like where they work, how much money you guys make, what your lifestyle is like, is it comfortable, and things like that. Some people might be iffy about sharing this information, but it is generally better that the divorce lawyer knows where both of you stand financially.
Any Other Mistreatment In The Marriage?
Aside from giving the reason for your divorce, the divorce lawyer will take a deep dive into the inner workings of your marriage. They will prod for those uncomfortable questions. They will ask you whether you were being mistreated in the marriage or not. Whether there was abuse towards the children or not? If there was neglect by the spouse?
These are hard hitters, but you need to be as honest with the divorce attorney as you can. Remember, they will only help you with the information they have, so if you’re gatekeeping important stuff from the very lawyer who is driving this divorce proceeding, then you’re not doing yourself any favors.
Do You Have Any Assets Of Your Own?
Another financial question and this time, it’s mainly about you. Do you have any separate assets that are yours and yours alone? Not even with your children or spouse. They need to be yours. This is also important for the lawyer to know.
They are trying to build a case for you so that everything is smooth sailing in the courtroom, so you need to cover all the bases with them. There’s nothing wrong with sharing information like this because it will only make you appear as clear in front of an attorney – who’s practically a stranger.
What Do You Think About Child Custody?
The divorce lawyer will also ask you about child custody and what you want ideally. Some couples are initially okay with co-parenting, but some don’t want the other parent to be a part of their children’s lives. So, this is something you want to discuss with your attorney.
Do you want to go for co-parenting or do you want full custody? If so, then what is the reason? These might seem like deep questions, but it’s all very crucial in a divorce proceeding.
Conclusion
These questions are important to know, because you want to be prepared for that first meeting with a divorce lawyer Fairfax VA and the ones that follow after. You’ll know what to expect and things will get easier.
