Talking to a Divorce Attorney - That First Meeting

The first meeting with a divorce attorney is one of the most important and most worrisome of all events. You are thinking about making an incredible change in your life. You may know it is the right decision but you are not sure about doing so. After all, most people do not like change and this is a big decision. The good news is you do not have to tell anyone what you talk about during this consultation. You do not even need to tell anyone you are seeking the help of a lawyer. Use this as a time to gather information before you make a decision.

What Happens During a Consultation?

One of the best reasons to meet with a divorce attorney is to talk about the risks and rewards of taking this step. Your situation is unique to you. Though these attorneys cannot mend fences and work as therapists, they can tell you what your options are and what the likely outcomes are based on the state's laws. In many situations, this is an opportunity for you to learn about the what if situations and about what you can expect going forward.

The consultation is a time for you to sit down and talk to the lawyer about your situation and what you can expect going forward. The following are some things you may wish to discuss with this professional about your future.

• What happens during the process? How long will it take? What will you need to do? These are basic questions about the procedure. You should understand what it would include.

• What limitations will be on your life once you decide to file? For example, there may be a time when you and the children are separated. You may wish to discuss the risks involved in losing your kids to the other parent.

• You may wish to talk about the final implications of such a decision on your finances. For example, what will happen to your family home, retirement accounts and savings? What will happen to your debt?

Talk about anything that you need to talk about knowing that whatever you share is safe when you talk to a divorce attorney. In addition, gather any information you need to make the decision to move forward or not to do so. This is your life and these are your options. Talking with a legal professional about them does not mean you have to go forward, but it provides you with more information and guidance about what to expect if you do make the move forward. Everyone should have his or her own attorney in this type of situation.