What Questions To Ask Divorce Lawyer In First Meeting

I know the post was deleted, but I would ask if you have to pay alimony. Hopefully not.

 

if kids are there, their shared custody , what are the rules. Physical and legal custody related questions. And child support.

 

Safety - will your ex and his family stalk you
Taxes - how how do file as single person
Alimony - can your ex support YOU
Property - who gets what? if something is in your name only, how to make sure only you get it and not your ex
Jewelry - do your IL have any of your jewelry that you are not able to recover? can you prove this? maybe judge can order your ex to pay the value of the jewelry (that you prove, of course)

Thank God your kids are grown. Hope they have happy lives away form toxicity.

 

it depends on your state.

a. Cost
b. Initial payment
c. Lawyer is not your therapist. even second costs. after you hire them. so research as much as you can.
d. it depends on the state you live.
e. how close is the lawyer to the municipal judge
f. avoid going to the trial. it will burn .
g. Your Asset and your Debts are shared equal. So if your spouse took lot of loans, it is big trouble. but the moment you file then state tracks fraud after filing of new loans.
h. bank accounts. keep separate.
i . recorder - personal safety. what if spouse files harassment and kicks you out and then restraining order. depends on the state.

MOST IMPORTANT.
treat this as business the moment you file. you wont win, your spouse will not win. only lawyers win . So try to complete the process as soon as possible. do not keep room for hate and revenge. those things go well in Movies. here you go bankrupt.

let go of small stuff like bedding or furniture or you would know.

research , research , research. google is your friend. document every interaction with your spouse.

start working on your skills.

therapy for yourself.

 

just sharing my experience. close friend went through that in covid

Taxes - pretty easy. H&R block will do.
property / alimony. -- the moment it is filed, the state takes over. OP has to show document that what is gift from parents or before marriage. otherwise it is joint. and kinda split equal

 

Are you in US or India, OP?
In the US, get a consult so you know your options. But try to do the actual divorce by mutual agreement. Otherwise you will only be making your lawyers rich.

 

It will depend on your state laws and the agreement you come to. If it is marital property in a community property state it is usually 50-50 but this is best addressed by a lawyer.