Approaching divorce can be a whirlwind, from the difficult conversations, paperwork to living arrangements – it’s hard to know where to start. Take a breath, you can approach the process one step at a time. Finding the right divorce lawyer to support you can make things a lot easier. They are there to provide clarity and guide you through the emotional and legal complexities. Waterstone Legal, one of the best family law firms in London, here one of their top lawyers gives the first five questions to ask whoever you choose to instruct that can help you divorce with confidence.
How Much Experience Do You Have in Divorces Like Mine?
Every divorce is different, and while divorce law remains the same you will want to know how the rules affect your specific case. During your initial meeting or consultation with your divorce lawyer, briefly outline your main concerns about your separation. Furthermore, ask how much experience they have in handling them. They will be able to put your mind at rest and explain how they have dealt with these circumstances before. Also, they’ll make you feel reassured they have the expertise to achieve you the best possible outcome.
How Long Will My Divorce Take?
This is a question often at the forefront of every spouse when it comes to divorce. Some divorces naturally take longer than others and depend on a variety of factors. From financial complexities to custodial arrangements, the length it takes to finalise a divorce often rests on how many issues need to be resolved. In a case of a straight-forward simple divorce where both parties are amicable and open to compromise – the process can take a lot less time. Your family law expert will be able to give you estimated guidelines with regards to timelines.
Do I Need To Go To Court?
Not every divorce case ends up in court, in fact it is possible to choose an alternative to courtrooms. Mediation and arbitration are both options to consider which can give a couple more autonomy and control over the divorce. This is a personal choice and can depend on how you and your spouse are communicating. Oliverta Mediu, a divorce expert at Waterstone Legal, is always open to encouraging her clients to divorce in the most amicable way possible. This can sometimes involve avoiding courtrooms and having open, honest conversations. Your solicitor can tell you whether there is a need to go to court during your initial consultation.
How Much Will My Divorce Cost?
Having an idea of the cost of your divorce can help you plan expenses and give you peace of mind. Law firms offer different pricing structures when it comes to divorce, some solicitors charge by the hour while other family law firms offer a fixed-fee for the entire process. Your solicitor can advise you on the cost of your legal fees, any procedural fees and other costs during your initial meeting and will be transparent with any change in fees throughout the process.
What Next?
After one step, you take the next one. After the initial consultation with your divorce lawyer this is a great question to ask. Do not ever think any question is too silly, your solicitor will be aware that you are feeling vulnerable and confused and need support. They can give you all the information you need to take the next step towards your new chapter. And perhaps this is the number one question to ask from start to finish, and an exciting one to answer once your divorce is finalised. What next? Only you get to decide that, and the possibilities are endless.
The Wrap Up
When you meet your divorce lawyer for the first time, you are likely to be confused and overwhelmed and emotional. These questions are a great place to start to soothe your nervous system and give you clarity and confidence on how to move forward. From knowing how long the divorce will take to budgeting the costs, your solicitor can guide you one step at a time towards that final order. And then? Your new future is calling.
Also read: The Big Questions Lawyer’s Get Asked About Divorce
What Next?
