This is a brief article on things to remember when choosing & working with a lawyer / solicitor for divorce. Also, check out the Choosing A Lawyer / Solicitor more in-depth article here. It covers most of the same ground but is a longer read.

Don’t choose the same legal firm that you have used in the family. Solicitors and lawyers are not allowed to represent you if they have worked for your as a couple or have worked for your ex on other issues

Choose a specialist lawyer who is experienced with divorce and can cover both the divorce and the complex issues that revolve around child custody and child care and maintenance arrangements as well as financial separation such as splitting the family home

Look for a lawyer who doesn’t get involved in the emotional side of the divorce. If you are looking for sympathy, look to family and friends, not a professional. Whether you were the victim of infidelity for example shouldn’t matter to the lawyer, its up to him/her to get the process moving ahead efficiently and without dragging and wrangling more than is necessary.

Consider choosing a lawyer who is of the opposite sex to you. In this way you might get a different slant on some of the claims and demands that are coming from your ex. This sometimes helps.

Ensure it is clear how much your legal fees will be. If you can only afford a specific amount per month, then tell your lawyer / solicitor in advance. You can then work with them to prioritise what is worked on as a priority. The risk here is that you end up spending all your money on responding to letters from your ex’s lawyer / solicitor about items that are not a priority to you, and in some cases are specifically designed to disrupt and delay things for you.

Spend some quality time with your solicitor at the beginning so that you are both clear on your agreed plan. Make sure your lawyer understands all the issues involved and understands all child responsibilities and financial matters (e.g. assets and debts and responsibilities for them).

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Prepare for every meeting you have with your lawyer / solicitor. You will get more out of them and move ahead more swiftly.

Document and inform your lawyer / solicitor of everything that happens. If he or she is left in the dark it will be a lot harder for them to fight your case for you

Keep all your correspondences and legal documents in a safe and secure place (check out the securing your privacy when separating and divorcing article for more on this).

Have you got any advice you would like to share about your situation? Post them here.

Guy

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Filed under: Relationship Break-up

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Divorce At Midlife; An Introduction

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Choosing a Lawyer That is Right For You

11 Do’s and Don’ts of Surviving Infidelity & Relationship Break-up (Part One)

Relationship Break-up At Midlife; An Introduction