Going through a divorce is difficult, and how the process is handled can have lasting effects on the rest of your life. Whether you’re the one filing, your partner is filing or the decision is mutual, it’s in your best interest to seek professional legal representation. Everyone’s situation is unique, often varying on factors like whether a couple shares children, the nature of each partners’ job and their individual incomes. You should feel confident that your divorce attorney is equipped to handle your particular case and set of circumstances.
Remember, you don’t have to hire the first attorney you talk to. It’s important to do your homework by asking for referrals from friends and family, searching attorneys online and arranging consultations. During these initial meetings, you’ll want to lay out the specifics of your case, including whether you’ll need help with obtaining child custody, negotiating alimony or properly dividing assets. Even the most amicable of divorcing couples shouldn’t settle these terms without having an experienced divorce attorney offer counsel and review contracts.
Keep reading to learn some of the top questions the team at Bandré, Hunt & Snider recommends asking a divorce attorney in Jefferson City, MO before choosing to partner with them.
What To Ask a Divorce Attorney in Jefferson City, MO During Your Initial Consultation
1. How much experience do you have practicing family law in Missouri?
Some attorneys may practice in several areas of law. You’ll want to make sure the attorney you choose doesn’t just practice family law on the side, but has regular, frequent experience settling family law and divorce cases. Going through a divorce is stressful enough on its own—you should expect your attorney has control over the situation. In other words, you should feel confident and completely taken care of.
2. How much does a divorce cost?
Understandably, many people are concerned about the costs associated with hiring a divorce attorney. In fact, it may deter you from wanting to hire an attorney altogether. However, you may be surprised by how reasonable an attorney’s fee structure is.
Your divorce lawyer’s costs should be discussed up front so you don’t run into any surprises later. Don’t hesitate to ask; they’ve likely had a discussion about finances with each and every client, and will have plenty of strategies in their back pocket for making the cost of a divorce more manageable.
3. Do you practice uncontested divorce in Missouri?
An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on how to resolve the issues pertaining to their divorce. This means there are no disputes over finances or child custody—and both parties agree to the divorce.
This is a very ideal way to proceed, as the divorce can be settled out of court and is generally less stressful for everyone. Many are under the impression that lawyers aren’t involved with uncontested divorces, but this isn’t necessarily true. As is the case in any legally binding measures that affect your finances, major assets and rights to your children, you should have an attorney review all paperwork and settlement agreements before they become final.
You can even enlist in the help of a divorce mediator to assist you and your spouse in coming to agreements about property division and custody. Whether you and your spouse are amicable or your divorce is more complicated, it’s important to understand what value a divorce lawyer can bring you.
4. How often, and in what manner, will we communicate about my case?
Understanding how you and your attorney will communicate throughout the divorce process is crucial. After all, divorce can be very stressful, and the last thing you want is to feel left out of the loop or like you’re not up to speed on important developments. Or, on the contrary, maybe you don’t want to be alerted about every minor development in your case, and would prefer for your attorney to just take care of things.
You and your attorney should know each other's communication styles and preferred methods of contact. Setting those expectations off the bat can save you a lot of frustration later, and will give you peace of mind about your attorney’s responsiveness.
5. Will you be the attorney working on my case?
It’s common for attorneys to work with support staff. Be sure to clarify that the attorney you meet with will be the one primarily handling your case. You deserve to know who will be involved, and what their credentials are. This is especially the case if you’re going to court. You should know which person will be defending you! If other attorneys or assistants will be working on your case, understand what role they will play and be sure to get acquainted with them.
Bandré, Hunt & Snider’s Divorce Attorneys In Jefferson City, MO Will Protect Your Interests
As you go through a major life transition such as filing for divorce in Missouri, you should have someone trustworthy looking out for you. There is simply too much at stake to go at it alone, especially when you have children or considerable assets involved.
Bandré, Hunt & Snider has been serving mid-Missouri residents with professional legal services since 2001. Our divorce attorneys in Jefferson City, MO understand that divorce is rarely simple; there are major factors at play that differ from case to case. We pride ourselves in learning the intricacies of your situation and helping you achieve your best outcome.
To schedule a consultation with our divorce attorneys in Jefferson City, MO, contact our law firm at (573) 635-2424 or send us a message online.