Questions Your Lawyer Might Ask In A Consult

Posted in Child Custody

A consultation with a divorce lawyer is all about finding the right fit, for both you and the lawyer. The meeting can help to give you a sense of the attorney’s approach and experience so you can decide if they’re someone you can spend the next few years working with. And it can provide a Manhattan Beach, CA child custody lawyer a better understanding of your situation so they can decide whether or not your case is the best fit for them. During the consultation, you can expect the family attorney to ask a range of questions. Here are some common ones to prepare for:

Personal And Marital Background

1. Can you provide a brief overview of your marriage, including how long you’ve been married and the main reasons for seeking a divorce?
2. Do you and your spouse currently live together or are you separated? If separated, for how long?
3. Have you and your spouse previously attempted any form of marriage counseling or mediation?

Children And Parenting

1. Do you have any children? If so, what are their ages and current living arrangements?
2. What are your thoughts on custody and parenting time? What type of arrangement do you envision for your children?
3. Are there any concerns regarding your spouse’s ability to care for the children, such as issues related to substance abuse or mental health?

Financial Matters

1. Can you provide an overview of your financial situation, including income, expenses, debts, and assets?
2. Do you or your spouse own any real estate, such as a home or rental properties?
3. Are there any significant investments or retirement accounts involved, and what are their estimated values?
4. What are your current and anticipated financial needs, including alimony or spousal support?

Legal And Document Issues

1. Do you have any existing legal agreements or documents, such as a prenuptial agreement or separation agreement?
2. Have you and your spouse agreed on any terms of the divorce, such as asset division or support arrangements?

Health And Lifestyle

1. Are there any health issues that could affect your ability to participate in the proceedings or that may impact custody arrangements?
2. What is your current employment status and that of your spouse?

Goals And Expectations

1. What are your primary goals for the divorce process? Are you seeking a quick resolution, or are there specific issues you want to focus on?
2. What is important to the other side?

Legal History And Concerns

1. Have you or your spouse been involved in any previous legal disputes or court cases, including prior divorces or family law matters?
2. Are there any specific concerns or potential issues you foresee in the divorce process?

Support And Resources

1. What type of support system do you have in place (family, friends, counselors) to help you through this process?
2. Do you have any questions or concerns about the legal process that you would like addressed?

Preparing in advance to answer these and other similar questions will ensure that your consultation is helpful to both you and the lawyer. A productive conversation will give you both the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation and find the strategy to best suit your needs and objectives. Get started and schedule a conversation with Skarin Law Group today!