Most couples planning on getting a divorce understand that it will be stressful. What many underestimate is how complex the process can be, even with the help of a Family Lawyer in Cullman AL. Those who want to make the most of their access to legal advice should read on to find out how to prepare before even scheduling an initial consultation with a family lawyer.
Write Up a Short Summary
Take a few minutes to write down all of the basic events that occurred throughout the marriage. This list should include details like where and when the wedding took place, what each spouse’s pattern of employment and education looks like, and when any children were born.
List All Assets Carefully
In addition to creating a basic timeline, clients should also write out a list of all the assets associated with each spouse, including those held jointly and those held individually. The list should include real estate, valuable personal assets, bank accounts, investment accounts, stocks and bonds, private pension plans, and trusts. Liabilities such as mortgages, credit cards, and bank loans should also be included.
Think About Relevant Questions
Most clients seeking the help of a Family Lawyer in Cullman AL have plenty of questions on their minds. Write them all down in advance instead of just assuming that they’ll come up over the course of the consultation. These questions may be financial in nature, they may concern children and child custody, or they may be related to expediting the divorce process as much as possible but no matter what, they should be written down.
Make the Most of Time
Hiring a lawyer can be expensive, so it’s important for clients to understand their lawyers’ fee schedules. Some bill clients based on how much time they spend working on their files, which means that time spent on phone calls will usually be billed in addition to time spent evaluating the client’s documentation and determining the specifics of the case. Make a point of taking notes and try to make sure that time is used as efficiently as possible.
Get Started Early
The best time to get started finding a family lawyer is the moment it becomes evident that a divorce is likely. Check out ONeal & Kilgo Attorneys at Law online today to get started.
