Once you find a divorce attorney and begin divorce proceedings, there are several questions you should ask during the initial meeting. These questions help you and your attorney “get on the same page” and determine how to proceed with the legal end to your marriage.
What questions are important to present to your attorney?
- Is it possible to complete my divorce with limited emotional trauma?
- How can I best protect my children during and after the divorce?
- How long will it be before the divorce is final?
- What can I do to speed the process?
- Do you know my spouse’s attorney?
- Are you familiar with local divorce courts?
- How much will your services cost me?
- Are there any hidden costs I should know about?
Questions for Your Spouse’s Attorney
The majority of questions presented to your spouse’s divorce attorney will be delivered by your attorney. Share as much information with your attorney as possible, so he or she can address financial issues, fault for divorce, maintenance and child support arrangements, and other concerns that will determine the final outcome of the divorce. Additionally, you might want to ask your spouse or spouse’s attorney about:
- Co-parenting classes – You and your spouse might choose to attend classes that offer support and education about parenting your children as a divorced couple.
- Substance abuse treatment – If your spouse struggles with substance abuse, a treatment program might be part of the divorce settlement or custody agreement.
- Childcare – In addition to determining a custody arrangement, you are also entitled to know how your child will be cared for when your spouse is unable to supervise, but it is his or her appointed time with the child.
- In-law and extended family concerns – You should be aware what, if any, contact you and your children will have with your ex-in-laws and extended family members.
- Living arrangements following the divorce – You or your ex-spouse will need to find a new home following the divorce. In some cases, the court determines how far a parent can live from his or her children and still maintain the existing custody arrangement.