You are at a point where you don’t want your marriage anymore. Expectedly, you want to move on and file for divorce. Just knowing the basic divorce laws in Utah isn’t enough. Just like marriages, divorces are drastically different and unique in numerous ways. You cannot leave everything to the court, especially if you don’t expect your spouse to cooperate and be fair with you. Scheduling a legal consultation session with a family lawyer can help you get the clarity you need. Before you go for the first meeting, here are some things to know.
Go prepared
Your lawyer will ask a lot of questions, including personal ones. They will want to know your reason for the divorce, what you want from the process, and whether there are issues that they need to be aware of. It is best to carry all documents, including your financial records and other evidence that may be relevant to the case. If you share everything they need, you have a better chance of getting bespoke advice based on facts than generic details.
Be ready to ask questions
You don’t have to hire an attorney necessarily because you met them. As a client, you should come up with interview questions and ensure the lawyer fits your case. Ask the following –
- Are you based in Salt Lake City? How long have you been practicing?
- What can you tell me about your experience with similar divorce cases?
- Have you been to mediation?
- Can you represent me in court?
- Do you often deal with child custody and alimony battles?
Know an attorney better by understanding their credentials. You can also refer to online ratings and reviews to sort the options.
Listen to your attorney
Your lawyer will usually suggest a few things if they agree to work on your divorce. For instance, they may tell you that you should avoid dating someone unless the divorce is finalized. Similarly, they may have advice for matters concerning your minor child, alimony, and division of assets. Your lawyer is there to protect you, and therefore, their advice is critical.
Know the laws
Getting educated about the divorce process and the local courts work in Utah is always advisable. If you don’t understand the basic things, there is no harm in asking questions. Know what factors could influence your divorce and other details. A capable lawyer will ensure you have the information necessary to move forward.
Set realistic expectations
Your divorce lawyer is there to advise you on all legal matters. While lawyers often have an empathetic approach, they are not your therapist. Keep in mind that a lawyer’s time is valuable and expensive, which means the more time you spend talking about personal things, the more you pay. Always ensure you talk about legal things. If you need financial advice, your attorney can connect you to an expert. As for emotional support, you can see a therapist or talk to your friends. Also, don’t bug your attorney for updates every other day.
Discuss the costs
During the first consultation, you should ask the divorce lawyer about the costs. Besides the court filing fee, there are costs associated with retaining an attorney. Family law firms in Utah usually charge an hourly rate, and if the divorce is expected to continue for a long time, the lawyer will charge a retainer. For uncontested divorces, many lawyers may also work on a fixed price.
Working with a divorce lawyer allows you to have better control over the circumstances and make mindful decisions. The sooner you hire them, the better are your chances of protecting your interests.
