deboradiazlaw.com
TOP 5 QUESTIONS TO ASK DIVORCE/FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY
When meeting with a divorce lawyer for an initial consultation your goal is to obtain as much information as possible. Go prepared with questions. As much as you can, know your financial situation such as assets and liabilities. It is okay to go in to meet with a divorce attorney with a written list of questions.
1. Experience: What is the relevant Family Law experience of the attorney? How many years has the attorney been practicing in Family Law? How many cases has the attorney handled? If your case is about relocation, does the attorney have experience with relocation cases? If your case is a paternity case, how many paternity cases has the attorney been involved in? How many divorce cases has the attorney litigated? Also, check the Florida bar website for any discipline history.
2. Communication–Both method and time frame: How will the attorney communicate with you? Will it be via e-mail, telephone, text, fax, or snail mail? What will the timeframe be to expect a response when you have a question or want to discuss an issue with your attorney.
3. Attorney Fees: You should know and understand the attorney’s fee structure. How much is the required retainer? What is the attorney’s hourly billing rate? What is the legal assistant’s billing rate? What costs will you be billed for? How often will you receive a bill? Will the time and costs be detailed in the bill? You should understand and prepare for the financial implications of your case.
4. Divorce Procedures: The length of time necessary to complete a divorce, child support, paternity, or relocation case will always depend on the complexity and issues of your particular situation but your attorney should provide you with an estimate of the timeline. How soon will you be able to get into court or mediation?
5. Child Custody: When you have children with your spouse and the custody issue will be litigated, it is important to understand which factors will be important to the Judge when deciding which parent will get the majority time-sharing. From the very beginning of your case, you should know and understand the factors that will be important to your case.
In conclusion, you should feel comfortable with the attorney you chose to take your case. The result will be life-changing. You should feel confident in your attorney. Most family law issues are highly emotional. Family law cases can be time-consuming and can take a toll on you not only financially, but emotionally and physically. You have to trust that your attorney is representing your interests and will communicate with you. If you do not understand ask!
If you have questions about divorce, child support, shared parental responsibility, time-sharing/parenting time, and parenting plans, contact Debora A. Diaz Esquire at 727-846-1802 to schedule a consultation or use the Scheduling Link: https://deboradiazlawscheduling.as.me/.
At this time, all consultations are by telephone or video conferencing in order to protect our staff and clients.
Attorney Diaz practices exclusively in divorce and family law in Florida. Debora A. Diaz is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator.
Written by Debora A. Diaz, Esquire.