How to Make the Most of Your Florida Divorce Consultation
When you are planning to meet your Boca Raton divorce attorney for the first time, it’s important to be prepared. You want to make the most out of your initial consultation and ensure you fully understand the process that will follow. Here are some helpful tips on getting the most out of your initial Florida divorce consultation.
Have a List of Important Questions Written Down Ahead of Time
It’s understandable that you may have some important questions that you want answers to before retaining an attorney and starting with the divorce process. Have them written down ahead of time so you don’t forget an important one before leaving.
Be sure to ask about fee structure and how billing is done. You can ask how long the attorney thinks your case might take, but remember each divorce is different. If you and your ex can reach an agreement on all outstanding issues early on in the process, it can take considerably less time than a divorce where the judge has to decide on everything from the division of marital assets and debts to child custody and spousal support.
Bring Important Legal Documents
Make sure you know where all important legal documents are and have copies available for your divorce attorney. Some of these documents can include your children’s birth certificates, your marriage certificate, any existing prenuptial agreements, copies of any prior legal proceedings or separation agreements, and identification for you and your children.
Compile all Financial Information
You should bring as much information as possible related to your financial situation. This can include paystubs, copies of several years’ worth of tax returns, and documentation on large financial assets and any major debts you have. If you and your spouse filed separate tax returns, try to bring the documentation of his or her filings as well.
Any Potential Incriminating Information
Is your marriage ending due to the fault of your spouse? If there are allegations of infidelity, you may have documentation on the alleged affair. This can be social media posts, incriminating emails, photos, surveillance, etc. Although this information may be used to leverage some of the property settlement agreement details, Florida is a no-fault divorce state. This means you can file for divorce simply because the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” The information on adultery may not have much bearing on the outcome of your case.
Do you suspect your spouse is up to something else more nefarious? Like hiding assets or trying to liquidate things in order to make sure you don’t get them in the divorce? Bring any documentation that would suggest he or she is hiding money or moving assets around in anticipation of the divorce. In some cases, it may be necessary to hire an expert, like a forensic accountant, who can help track down the assets and what your spouse has done with them.
Contact a Florida Divorce Attorney Today
If you are preparing for a Florida divorce, or your spouse has served you with papers, it’s important to retain an experienced Boca Raton divorce attorney who will ensure your rights and interests are protected throughout the divorce. Contact the Law Offices of Schwartz | White today to schedule an initial consultation.
https://www.schwartz-white.com/deciding-what-to-do-with-a-family-business-during-a-florida-divorce/
