Working with a Divorce Lawyer: What to Expect
Divorce is never easy. Whether it’s been a long time coming or is the result of recent events, choosing to end a marriage is a deeply emotional and personal decision. Many people feel alone and misunderstood because it’s life-changing to go through this process. Having a great divorce lawyer is critical to ensure you get the legal support, guidance, advocacy, and help that you deserve through the process.
Hiring a lawyer for a divorce isn’t just about fighting for custody, money, assets, or anything else. It’s really all about the care and support of having someone helping to guide you toward the best possible outcome and ensuring you can move forward with clarity and confidence. In this guide, learn more about what to expect from working with a divorce lawyer.
Understanding Your Story
You hired a lawyer, and it’s time to have your first meeting and consultation. This is where you get to know the lawyer and the firm and they get to know you. You can share your story, express concerns, and ask any questions you may have. You’re going to talk about things like:
- The length of your marriage
- Whether there are children involved
- Financial information (debts, income, property, etc.)
- The reason for the divorce
- Your goals for moving forward
A good lawyer will listen without judgment to get to understand your unique circumstances and how they might best serve you. This allows them to provide you with unique guidance based on your circumstances and not just legal theory. It’s always a good idea to bring any relevant documents that might impact your divorce to this meeting so they can have all the pertinent details.
Clear Communication and Expectations
Your divorce lawyer is there to be a legal advocate and supporter as you go through the divorce process. They are also there to ensure you are informed and have realistic expectations. They will explain your rights, walk you through your options, and help you avoid common mistakes. You can expect services like:
- Drafting and filing legal documents on your behalf
- Communicating with your spouse’s attorney
- Negotiating terms related to asset division, spousal support, and child custody
- Representing you in court if necessary
On the same note, you should also be aware of what your lawyer won’t do. While they do advise you, they won’t make personal decisions on your behalf. They also are not professional therapists or counselors, so they cannot play that role for you. It’s possible the may be able to refer you to a recommended professional, though. They also cannot guarantee outcomes. They certainly will work their hardest to achieve what you want or need, but they can’t promise it will turn out exactly as demanded.
Expect honesty, even when it is hard to hear. They aren’t going to just tell you what you want to hear. They will tell you what you need to know.
The Legal Process
Divorce has multiple steps to get from start to finish, and your lawyer is going to guide you through each one. These are phases of the legal process:
- Filing for divorce
- Serving the other party with a divorce petition
- Temporary Orders if needed
- Discovery and disclosures from both sides
- Negotiations and settlements
- Trial and court dates (as necessary)
Not every divorce will require a trial or a fight in court. In fact, most are able to settle out of court by coming to some sort of mutual agreement. The negotiations and settlements may take more than just one try to achieve a mutual agreement.
Emotional Support
While your lawyer will be supportive and caring, they are not there to be your therapist. Their responsibility is to be supportive and help provide you with realistic and clear expectations based on your circumstances. Let them be there for you in this way and seek professionals for your mental health as needed. The lawyer is part of your support system.
Moving Forward After Divorce
When the divorce is final, your lawyer may help you with some post-divorce needs. This can include modifying custody or support agreements as needed, helping enforce court orders, addressing property issues that may arise later, and helping file or complete documentary items from the divorce.
The divorce being final puts you into a transitory phase. Your lawyer can help make certain parts of that transition smoother, clearer, and more empowering.
Get Quality Support from a Divorce Lawyer at Hager Law
When you need quality, compassionate support for a divorce situation, Hager Law is here to help. Our team of lawyers is caring and friendly, ready to be there for you through the entire divorce process. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Are you planning on or dealing with a divorce? Schedule your consultation today.