If you are someone who is thinking about getting a divorce, there are some things you should know before you start the process.
1. How to pick the right attorney.
Pick an attorney who is willing to answer your questions. Tell them what is important to you and ask them if that’s achievable. Ask them how they would approach your case. Does their approach make sense to you? Did they explain the different divorce processes? Be wary of promises or guarantees because those don’t exist.
2. Which process to choose.
Most people are unaware of the different processes to get a divorce. They are just focused on the ending, but they have no idea how to get there. In general, these are the different processes.
- Collaborative Process – During the Collaborative Divorce Process, there is a systematic approach in resolving the pending issues. The approach is focused on finding solutions instead of pitting the clients against each other. Most importantly, the parties pledge to solve problems jointly and prevent a court battle.
- Litigation Process – This is the most common process, and an expensive process. In general, for every hour an attorney is in Court, there is at least 3 hours of preparation. Before Court there is much drafting of pleadings, motions, and discovery requests in an attempt to figure out the pending issues in the divorce and to obtain documents, which will be entered into evidence so that the Judge can make findings and rule.
- Mediation Process – The parties meet with a mediator, who helps them come up with options on how to resolve the pending issues in their marriage. The mediator is neutral and cannot give either party legal advice or make decisions regarding the pending issues. Mediation works best if you have all the needed financial and legal information to make informed decisions beforehand. Having your attorney with you is a plus.
3. How to keep the cost down and timeline short.
If you want a divorce for Christmas, understand that your gift won’t be arriving until next year. And the longer it takes to arrive the higher the cost.
The best way to keep the cost down is to provide your attorney all the documents requested in a timely, organized fashion – meaning labeled and categorized. This tip will save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Clients have eaten up their retainer by sending their documents in spurts and failing to provide all that is requested. Time is then wasted reviewing what is missing instead of being spent on what has been provided. Then they are upset to learn that their case has not moved forward, and they need to replenish their retainer. But the truth is that they only have themselves to blame.
Gathering needed documents is the most time-consuming part of the process. To shorten the timeline, begin gathering and organizing all your financial documents. This means all documents showing your income, and your spouse’s income, from any source. Also gather documents showing all assets owned by you, your spouse and jointly owned. The same must be done for liabilities. Gather all documents showing debts owed by you, your spouse and both of you. Ordering your credit report can help you with the process.
Once all the needed documents are gathered and analyzed, your attorney will be able to help you figure out your best options.
For More Information About DIVORCE
Contact Us Through Our Website www.EatonFamilyLawFirm.com
We have 2 locations to serve you:
Tennessee Office: 4000 Hillsboro Pike, #715, Nashville, TN 37215
Phone number is: (615) 994-0123
Florida Office: 2247 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd, Suite 202, West Palm Beach, FL 33409
Phone number is: (561) 420-8500