What to Expect at Your First Meeting With a New Jersey Divorce Law Firm
New Jersey divorce law is complicated. Seeking legal counsel is the best way to ensure a successful divorce. If you are preparing for a visit with a divorce attorney, it is always best to be prepared. Find out how to prepare for the meeting and what will happen during it. Then, you can proceed with the divorce.
Initial consultation with a divorce law firm
The initial consultation typically takes 30 minutes to one hour. The consultation is not a legally binding process. Clients can choose to hire the attorney after but are not under an obligation to do so. Instead, the conversation will help the attorney and client determine if they are a good fit for each other.
Preparing for the consultation
Divorce lawyers need specific information to understand the situation and create legal strategies. As such, people who have already filed for divorce should bring their official complaints with them. Whether people have filed or not, they also must bring their financial information. This includes recent bank statements, pay stubs, and tax returns, as well as debts. Those who own a business should also bring the company’s financial information, including tax returns.
Clients who wish to file a fault divorce should bring evidence, if possible. Evidence could include police reports, photographs, and witness statements. Those who do not have evidence can still proceed. The divorce law firm can investigate and gather evidence.
Speaking to the attorney
The New Jersey divorce attorney will ask questions during the consultation. These questions are related to the history of the marriage, the current situation, and the reason for the divorce. The attorney will also inquire about the client’s goals regarding the divorce. For example, some clients want to end the marriage as quickly as possible, while others are more concerned about child custody or alimony arrangements. Understanding the client’s goals helps attorneys build legal strategies.
Questions to ask the attorney
Clients are encouraged to ask questions during the initial consultation with a divorce attorney. For instance, clients can inquire about the different grounds for divorce to help them decide which is right for them. While clients can ultimately decide the grounds based on eligibility requirements, the lawyer can provide legal guidance. This includes information about how the process differs for fault and no-fault divorces.
Clients can also ask questions about temporary and permanent support payments, child custody during the divorce, and more. Many clients choose to write a list of questions down before going to the consultation. Then, they can read off the questions during the consultation. This ensures potential clients do not forget anything during the consultation.
The legal strategy
After asking and answering questions, the New Jersey divorce law firm will know if it can handle the client’s case. If accepted, the client will sign the necessary paperwork and discuss the legal strategy with the attorney. Also, the attorney will go over a basic timeline for the proceedings. Then, the attorney can file the necessary paperwork to begin the process.
Starting the consultation process at a divorce law firm
If you are considering a divorce, begin with a consultation. You will have a better understanding of your legal options after you consult with an attorney. The attorney will answer your questions and provide an overview of your case. Then, you can choose to move forward if you wish.
Call us at (732) 449-0449 for more information from Anthony J. Cafaro, P.C. or to schedule a consultation in our office in Sea Girt. NOTE: This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.