Wednesday, July 30, 2008

The Truth About Divorces - The Costly Option!

By Dhael Winston


Unfortunately the chances of a married couple splitting up gets higher each year so hiring a divorce lawyer is the next crucial step; you will want them to possess certain attributes for instance:

* Proficient in cases like this * Have the correct bearing for this type of work * A conscientious person

You will need an attorney where at least fifty percent of their work is in this area and unless you're expecting problems, preferably one trained in divorce mediation that practices it professionally. All this will be waste if you do not feel you can trust them, so look for a person you feel comfortable with.

Mediation minded attorneys are more likely to give you problem solving advice, whereas traditional attorneys tend to be more oriented to conflict and their advice tends to be adversarial. Some of the work load will be yours so you need to ensure you are well prepared each time you speak with your divorce lawyer and know exactly what they need from you and vice versa.

Whether you intend to see them or speak on the phone, write everything down as this is the most efficient way to utilize your legal representative and keep a record of dates and times you spoke with them. Keep a file for all your notes, letters and documents so do as much as possible on the phone and by mail to keep the office time at a minimum.

Your attorney is there for advice and any foreseeable legal actions so do not rely on them for anything but what you are paying them for, and especially not as a shoulder to cry on. Never trouble your divorce lawyer with trivial matters that do not directly concern the divorce.

You really want your lawyer to know that you are in control and in charge of what is going on and that they are to help you with legal and technical issues and not to get your life straight.

You must also let them know that you expect copies of all correspondence to be sent to you for you own records and if you contact them by phone, you expect a reply within one working day.

Don't think that you have to enter into proceedings armed with a lawyer in tow as they aren't always necessary although you may wish to speak to one just for advice on a marital settlement for example. For someone taking this route, it is only important that you approach a lawyer to have certain aspects explained once you have carried out you own research.

Some people only use a divorce lawyer to re-read and check a marital settlement they have drafted on their own but at least these people have the backup of using a lawyer if all else fails.

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