Saturday, February 26, 2011

During Your Consultation with Your New Jersey Divorce Attorney, Ask These Questions

By Sherry Smithson


If you've decided to consult with a New Jersey Divorce attorney, you've likely concluded that your marriage is unsalvageable. However, because not all divorces are the same, it's important to ask some initial questions of an attorney to determine whether his or her services will fit your needs. Below, we list four questions that everyone should ask a New Jersey Divorce attorney before making a hiring decision.

1. How Much Will My Case Cost to Resolve?

While it may be impossible to determine a case's cost down to the final dollar, a divorce attorney should be able to give you an informed estimate of how much you can expect to spend based on two factors: his or her rates, and the unique aspects of your case. By getting a general idea of how much your case will cost, you can avoid the misfortune of having to switch attorneys in the middle of your case.

2. Can Resolving My Divorce be Completed Outside of Court?

If a couple seeking a divorce reaches an arrangement regarding custody arrangements, assets and finances, their divorce can usually be settled outside of court. In spite of this, many lawyers give preferentiality to cases that go to court because legal fees are greater. For this reason, it is important to figure out whether your lawyer's practice regularly handles non-court and court divorces and whether court divorces are what they handle most often.

3. What Form of Asset Distribution Should I Be Expecting?

Receiving a basic impression of what you will receive will require you to understand how a judge will divide your assets. An attorney who can provide you with an uncomplicated answer probably isn't offering you the most informative answer because in New Jersey, a divorce judge will consider many factors before deciding how to divide assets so the distribution is "equitable."Consequently, it would be in your best interest to find a divorce attorney who can address the various factors considered in this process.

4. What Sort of Custody Arrangement Can I Expect?

When divorces involve custody agreements, being aware of how a judge will come to a decision will help you get ready for one of the most stressful components of your divorce case. In making a decision on your child's new living situation, a judge considers the welfare of the child most important and after considering various other factors, reaches a verdict. To prepare for this ruling, make sure to find an attorney who takes time to speak with you about what details the judge will take into account before reaching a custody agreement.




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