Crystal Wright | March 27, 2024 | Divorce
Those beginning the divorce process will have many questions to start with. Whether you are filing for divorce or have been served with divorce papers, the process can be emotionally stressful and overwhelming.
To ease your anxiety, ask several key questions during your initial consultation with a Georgia divorce attorney. Five important questions to ask your divorce lawyer will include:
1. What Do You Need to Know About My Case?
To begin the process of divorce, your lawyer will need to know your story and what your goals are. This includes personal details about you, your spouse, and your children if kids are involved. Your lawyer will also need to know what has led to the breakdown of the marriage.
Those seeking a divorce in Georgia must establish one of 13 grounds for divorce under Georgia law. One such ground is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. The more detail you can provide in your initial meeting, the better prepared your lawyer will be to move forward with your case.
2. What Can I Expect From the Divorce Process?
While every divorce case is unique, most follow a series of basic steps from start to finish. A Georgia divorce case begins with filing and serving the complaint, then proceeds through hearings on temporary issues, settlement negotiations, mediation in some cases, and then to a trial if necessary. At each stage, issues can arise that an experienced divorce attorney will be able to handle on your behalf. At the outset, your lawyer should be able to tell you what to expect based on the facts of your case.
3. What Are My Legal Rights In a Divorce Case?
Divorce cases will address several crucial elements that affect property and custody if the parties have children.
Basic elements of a divorce case include:
- Dissolution of the marriage. In Georgia, this means a court must find that at least one of the statutory grounds has been proven to authorize a divorce judgment.
- Property division. In most marriages, the parties on each side will seek their fair share of marital property, including homes, vehicles, financial accounts, and personal property. Property division in a divorce case can become a complex issue that a skilled lawyer can help you navigate as the case proceeds.
- Child custody. Custody is normally one of the most emotionally charged issues in any divorce case. You want an attorney who can aggressively present the facts on your side to fight for custody of your children during the divorce process.
- Child support. As with custody, child support in Georgia is a critical issue that affects your children’s well-being. An experienced divorce lawyer will be able to explain how child support would work in your case and what you might expect.
- Spousal support. Also known as alimony, spousal support can be granted in a divorce case when there is a difference in income and earning capacity between spouses. Your lawyer can review your situation and assess whether or not you might qualify for spousal support.
4. How Much Will My Divorce Case Cost?
A key question to ask is what your divorce lawyer will charge as a retainer and as hourly fees. An experienced divorce lawyer will be able to quote you an estimate based on the simplicity or complexity of your case. They will also be able to spot issues in your case that could become complicated and time-consuming.
However, it is not always true that a divorce must always be expensive. Be sure to ask how you might be able to reduce the overall cost of your divorce as it proceeds. For example, if you and your spouse are able to work out certain issues outside of court, that reduces the need for court hearings and additional attorney fees. Your lawyer might also suggest mediation and other alternatives to a court trial in your divorce case.
5. What Are My Next Steps?
Your divorce lawyer will explain what is required to retain their services and what they expect from you next. They will also explain what they need from you to move forward. This can include gathering documents and financial information, staying in or leaving the marital home, and looking out for the best interests of your children. A lawyer’s recommendations will depend on the unique circumstances of your situation.
Contact a Lawrenceville Divorce Lawyer Today
If you are contemplating divorce, you need legal advice to make informed decisions about your present and future. Divorce is an emotional and difficult process for anyone. Contact the attorneys at Crystal Wright Law today to schedule a case review with a compassionate and experienced divorce lawyer at (404) 594-2143.
You can also visit our law firm at 440 S. Perry Street Suite 105, Lawrenceville, GA 30046.