5 Questions Your Divorce Attorney Will Ask You at Your First Consultation

When you got married, you may not have planned to one day divorce the love of your life. However, according to World Population Review, about 50% of American marriages end in divorce, so you're not alone. Protect your rights and get a divorce attorney to represent you. Here are questions you can expect from a divorce attorney.

1. Why Are You Getting a Divorce?

Don't be surprised if the first question your lawyer asks is regarding the reason for your divorce. According to a U.S. Census Bureau survey, over 43% of divorcing couples cite incompatibility as a reason, while 28% cite infidelity, and another 22% say finances. The reason for your divorce isn't just for the lawyer's curiosity as it must be noted in your official filing.

2. Do You Have Children?

Unfortunately, one of the messiest parts of any divorce can involve children. Custody battles often take place during messy divorces. Your lawyer will want to know if you plan to seek full or shared custody. If you plan to give your spouse full custody, you may want to work out visitation arrangements during the divorce procedure.

3. What Type of Shared Assets Do You Have?

It's essential to understand what your financial standing is at this time. Do your assets include properties, shared bank accounts, or investment accounts? Do you own a business together?

4. How Long Were You Married?

The length of your marriage plays a major factor in the final division of assets. If you live in a state with communal property, like Texas, you can expect to automatically share assets.

5. What Is Your Relationship With Your Spouse?

Of course, your divorce attorney wants an honest viewpoint on your relationship with your spouse. All divorces aren't contentious, but when they are, it could make for a long, drawn-out court trial. However, if you have an amicable split, you can make things easy on yourself and your household by dissolving the marriage through mediation. With mediation, you and your spouse can avoid a court trial and come to a settlement. Mediation is often faster and less stressful.

Going through a divorce is tough on any household. When you do a consultation with a local divorce attorney, expect a series of questions so they can see how to plan such a case. If you need professional help ending your marriage, contact us at The Law Office of Arthur J. White III, P.C. for a consultation.