People in Maryland who have gone through a divorce know that it can be extremely difficult. Not only does divorce take a significant emotional toll on people, but the process itself can be very intimidating. People may worry about everything from the length of time it takes to complete the process, the cost of legal help, and how their lives will be different once the dust settles.
People who are lost and confused should stop and take a deep breath, then start from square one. Talking to someone who has been through the process can be helpful, and they may even be able to point you in the right direction for legal help. The next step is speaking with an experienced family law attorney, and deciding whether their representation is going to be good for your situation. There are a few questions people should feel comfortable asking an attorney, and the answers could help you realize that, with the right attorney, getting through the divorce might not be as daunting as originally feared. A recent article suggested a few critical questions to ask your attorney at the outset.
The first question most people have is “How much is this going to cost me?” While it is a fair question, there are a number of factors that influence this outcome. An attorney may be able to tell you how much they charge per hour, and, perhaps even what a typical case costs, given the circumstances. But an estimate can quickly change, depending on issues such as whether or not court litigation is necessary.
People often want to know things like “How much alimony or child support will I have to pay?” Again, excellent questions, but an attorney probably won’t be able to give you a valid estimate without knowing some of the finer details of your domestic and financial situation.
The best thing a person can do is be willing to help their attorney by locating and providing important documents and remaining in good communication throughout the divorce process. By cooperating with your attorney, the result may be a faster and more satisfying outcome.
Source: Huffington Post “Divorce Confidential: Asking the Right Questions in a Divorce,”Caroline Choi, Dec. 4, 2013