How Do I Prepare For My First Meeting With An Orlando Divorce Attorney?
You know that it is critical to retain legal representation when going through divorce, and finding the right fit will take some effort and research. When you have counsel on your side who knows Florida divorce laws and has experience handling these cases, you can feel confident that your rights are protected. Important aspects of the legal process are settlement negotiations, mediation, and going to court. Guidance from an attorney is crucial for all phases.
As you conduct your research, you will schedule one or more meetings to discuss your case and determine whether the candidate would meet your needs. To make the most of your time with an Orlando divorce lawyer, some preparations are in order. There are topics to think about and things you will need to bring to your consultation, and these will help you get to know your attorney. When you are ready to seek legal counsel, some tips will be useful.
Consider Goals: Your approach to divorce should not be a matter of win-lose, but rather a focus on creating solutions for ending your marriage. The three key topics many couples will address in divorce include:
- Property division and how to divide marital assets acquired during the marriage;
- Alimony, including the type, amount, and duration; and,
- Allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time, which you may know as child custody and visitation.
It is crucial to consider your objectives in these areas, since these details will help your attorney develop a strategy for achieving them.
Collect Documents: Divorce involves mounds of paperwork, so you should gather and organize important documents that could affect your case. Make sure to bring:
- Deeds, titles, and other documents showing ownership of real estate;
- Checking, savings, and other bank account statements;
- Paperwork on your mortgage, credit cards, auto loans, and other debts;
- Income tax returns;
- Property tax records on the marital home and investment properties;
- Information regarding ownership in a business by you or your spouse;
- A prenuptial agreement, if any; and,
- Birth certificates and other details regarding minor children.
Have a List of Questions: You no doubt have questions about the process and potential outcomes, so jot them down for your first meeting with a divorce lawyer. Examples include:
- What are areas where you think settlement is wise?
- Is it appropriate for either party to request alimony?
- How does divorce mediation work?
- What are the important factors in the child’s best interests standard?
- Can I still go to court if mediation does not resolve disputes?
- How is a contested hearing similar to a trial in court?
Set Up a Consultation with a Central Florida Divorce Attorney Today
Your first meeting with a Florida divorce lawyer will be much smoother and more productive when you do some advance preparation. For more information on how Greater Orlando Family Law serves clients in divorce cases, please contact us to speak to an attorney. You can call 407-377-6399 or visit us online to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help with your case.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/0061PartIContentsIndex.html&StatuteYear=2023&Title=%2D%3E2023%2D%3EChapter%2061%2D%3EPart%20I
