A divorce consultation is a meeting that occurs between an individual who wants to file for a divorce and an attorney who can help. Hiring a lawyer to handle your divorce is a big commitment. Who you choose to represent you can influence the outcome of your case. It is for this reason that many divorce lawyers, including the Nassau County divorce lawyers at Peter V. Mandi & Associates, offer free initial consultations. Reach out to an experienced attorney to schedule a consultation and discuss the details of your situation today.
Do Divorce Lawyers Offer Free Initial Consultations?
Some divorce lawyers offer free initial consultations, while others do not. At Peter V. Mandi & Associates, we understand that finding the right attorney to suit your needs is important. It is crucial that you hire a lawyer who understands what you want to get out of your divorce and is prepared to help make it happen. You want to get along with your lawyer and trust their judgment so a free consultation can help you determine if it is the right fit without wasting time or money.
What Should I Bring to My Consultation?
Every divorce is different and each spouse’s needs are unique. However, there are generally certain things that are important to bring to your free consultation to ensure you are prepared. The information you may wish to provide the attorney with can include the following.
- Background information about your marriage and relationship including information about yourself, your spouse, children, etc.
- Your intentions and goals for the divorce
- The questions you have and information you want to gain from the consultation
- A list of marital assets and debts like bank accounts, income information, liabilities, vehicles, real estate, etc.
- Any legal documents like a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, separation agreement, social security cards, etc.
- Information about your current situation or grounds for divorce
The above information is important in providing the lawyer with context about your relationship. You should inform them of the reasons you are filing for divorce and explain what you are hoping to walk away from the relationship with.
Why Should I Attend a Consultation?
A consultation is crucial in ensuring that you understand your rights and responsibilities during the divorce process. It is also important to allow you to gain more knowledge about how divorce proceedings work. During the consultation, you can set your expectations and have questions answered that you may otherwise not know about.
During the consultation, you can ask things like:
- What steps do I need to take to get divorced?
- What is the divorce process like?
- How can I increase my chances of getting the property I want to keep?
- How much might I have to pay my spouse?
- How much might I receive from my spouse?
- What are some ways I can maintain custody of my children?
- About how long do you think my divorce case will take?
- How much will my divorce cost?
- How does the billing process work?
A divorce consultation is important because it helps you get a better understanding of how the divorce process will go and what you can expect. It also ensures you are finding the right attorney to suit your needs. Schedule your free consultation today for more information.
