I do not know about you, but I dislike going to my dentist very much. From being lectured about flossing, to the noise of the drill, the only good thing is the “funny” gas. However, your initial consultation with the divorce attorney should not be scary or unpleasant. After the appointment you should feel educated about the process of divorce and have your initial questions answered.
To be able to have a productive initial consultation with your divorce attorney you need to come prepared. Here are just a few of the items to think about prior to the appointment with your attorney.
Have you and your spouse tried couples therapy or any other form of counseling?
To obtain a divorce in the state of Florida, the parties must attest that the marriage is irretrievably broken and that there is nothing the court can do to put it back together. This must be stated in the divorce petition and testified to at the final hearing in front of the judge. I always ask my clients that exact question at the initial consultation. You will be surprised how many of them fail to even bring up counseling to their spouse. While it is never too late to attend couples therapy (it can even be done after the divorce petition has been filed and while the divorce is pending), I always recommend that my clients exhaust this option before filing for divorce.
What do you know about marital/your/your spouse’s finances?
Do you know the balance of the mortgage or your spouse’s monthly net salary? Do not feel bad if you do not know much about any of the above. In every marriage each spouse has their “chores,” one spouse does the household “books” and the other might be a much better cook. With online banking, it is very easy to educate yourself. Finances are an intricate part of every divorce and will be one of the central discussions points of the initial divorce consultation. Make a detailed list of all the assets and liabilities you know of (does not matter whether they are in your name, joint name, or your spouse’s name) and bring the list with you to your first appointment.
What about the children?
It is overwhelming to think that sometime in Rezultati the near future after the divorce is finalized your children will have to split their time between two households. However, it is important to start thinking about the logistical side of that transition. Some questions to ask yourself: Where will you and your (soon to be former) spouse live after the divorce? Will the children attend the same ? Will you and your spouse live close to each other? Does your and your spouse’s work schedule allow for each to spend half the time with the children? How will that be practically accomplished (transportation, purchasing double of everything for the children, etc.)? You do not need to have all the answers right away. Nevertheless, it is advisable to have an approximate idea as to how you and your spouse will be splitting time with the children after the divorce.
Divorce lawyers in Miami
If you have questions about the divorce process, please call (305) 520-9205 to schedule a free consultation.
About the Author: Helena Y. Farber is an attorney in Aventura, Florida, whose practice is concentrated in the areas of divorce and family law. She can be reached at (305) 520-9205 or via email at hyf@farberlawpa.com.
Disclaimer: The attorney makes this Blog available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Blog. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.