If you have been served with divorce papers or are considering filing for divorce, it is important to understand what to expect during a consultation with a divorce lawyer in Tampa, FL. This consultation will likely be the first step in navigating the legal process of ending your marriage, and it is important that you feel prepared and informed going into the meeting.
General Questions
Your lawyer may begin by asking questions about how you want to proceed with your divorce. For example:
- Do you want to file mutually, or are there contentious issues that need to be litigated?
- Are there any urgent matters that need immediate attention?
It is also important for your lawyer to understand the current status of your marriage, including whether you and your spouse have any children together and if so, their ages.
Additionally, they will want to know whether either party has an attorney yet and if any paperwork has been filed with the court.
Financial Questions
Your lawyer will likely ask detailed questions about both parties’ financial situations as this can have a significant impact on how your case proceeds. They may inquire about both spouses’:
- Income sources
- Debts
- Assets such as real estate and investments
They may also ask about any existing prenuptial or postnuptial agreements between the two of you as well as other marital contracts such as those related to business interests or family trust funds.
Lastly, they may ask if either party has recently changed employment or made large purchases to gain an understanding of how these changes could affect each spouse’s financial standing.
Questions about Goals
In addition to understanding all relevant facts about your marriage and finances, your lawyer will likely want to discuss what outcomes you hope for from the process. For example:
- Do you intend for custody arrangements for any children involved?
- Do you wish for spousal support?
- Are there specific properties or assets that are especially important for you?
Answering these questions can help ensure that your lawyer understands all of your needs and can work towards achieving them in court proceedings if necessary.
