1. Choose your lawyer carefully. It is up to you to find a lawyer you can work. Before you go near a lawyer think about the sort of divorce you want and how you want the divorce conducted.
Have all this very clear in your head when you start looking for a lawyer. If you are asking people and being referred don’t forget to ask them what sort of lawyer they are referring.
The first time you meet a lawyer have a list of questions ready so you will be able to establish from the start if you are compatible.
2. Be prepared before you see a lawyer. There are certain facts you can have ready for your lawyer. Most states and countries will have a website to visit that will explain what you need.
The first visit will be a get to know you with the basics. The lawyer will want to know the date you married, how many children you have, any assets, and other basics.
Just as you are checking out the lawyer, the lawyer is doing the same with you.
3. Pay your bills on time. Pretty much the first thing your lawyer will do when you decide to work together is give you a list of charges for their services.
Read this. Do not then be shocked when large bills start coming in. Lawyers charge for their time and expect to be paid for it. You agree when you start working together.
There is nothing a lawyer, or anyone else, dislikes more than having an agreed upon charge suddenly not paid or disputed.
4. Do not be a pain in the ass. Your lawyer will get really tired of you really quick if you phone all the time or send unnecessary emails or letters.
If you do not think you lawyer capable of handling your case in a timely and professional manner then get a lawyer you do have faith in. Then let them do the job.
5. Be organised. There is nothing more annoying than asking for some information and getting a jumbled pile of mess. Who do you think will sort this out? It will cost you money if you can not order your information and will not endear your lawyer or anyone in hs office to you.
6. Be honest. Your lawyer will expect you to be honest with him whether you want to or not. What you tell your lawyer may never be used but it is best that your lawyer does know any and all your details in case they are brought up.
Your lawyer needs to be prepared. If you do not want something brought up then discuss this with your lawyer.
7. Keep records and diaries when you are asked to. Your lawyer may ask you to keep a journal of all interactions you have with your spouse. These can be really important and are a part of many child custody cases.
If your lawyer asks you to do this then there is a good reason for you to do so. Your lawyer will rely on you to do this accurately.
8. Accept that your lawyer is not all powerful and cannot promise certain outcomes.
Your lawyer may tell you that there is a ‘good chance’ or ‘a probability of’ a certain outcome. That is his or her opinion from the information there is available and the law.
The law is often decided with negotiation and human input. This can make outcomes different to your lawyer’s predictions. So, if you are asking for projections then understand they are educated guesses.
9. Respond promptly to your lawyer’s requests. Lawyers often need to work to tight schedules and if you are asked for information then try to get it to your lawyer as fast as possible. If you need more time then always let your lawyer know so that if your lawyer needs an extension then one can be arranged.
10. Your lawyer will expect you to make decisions from the information you are given and the choices put forward. Be prepared to make these decisions, own them and be prepared for any consequences from your decisions.
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