5 Questions to Ask Your Divorce Lawyer
When you are going through a divorce, you will want to work with an attorney who can help you secure a fair settlement and make the process as easy as possible. However, you do not need just any attorney; you need the lawyer who is right for your case. Although there are many good divorce lawyers in Illinois, you will want to find someone you are comfortable with who can address your unique concerns and help you complete the divorce process successfully. You will want to ask your divorce lawyer following questions:
Have You Handled Many Cases Like Mine?
No two divorce cases are alike. You may need to address a variety of complex issues, such as a high net worth, child custody disputes, or potential dissipation of assets by your spouse. You might expect your divorce to be contested, or you may plan to reach an amicable settlement with your spouse using methods such as mediation. You will want to be sure the attorney you ultimately hire should is experienced in handling the issues you will need to address.
How Will We Communicate During the Divorce?
Attorneys tend to have preferred methods of communication, and you will want to be sure you are comfortable discussing your case in this manner. Whether you prefer to communicate via email, phone, or text messages, you will want to establish a plan for how you will send information, ask questions, and receive updates.
How Often Will I Receive Updates About My Case?
You need to be made aware whenever the status of your case changes or any time you need to take action. You should be sure that your attorney will provide you with timely updates whenever you need them, let you know when you need to send them information, and offer you prompt and thorough answers to your questions, helping you make the right decisions throughout your divorce.
Does My Case Qualify for Spousal Maintenance?
Maintenance, also called alimony or spousal support, is sometimes awarded in a divorce case, and it is meant to allow both spouses to meet their financial needs and maintain their standard of living. There are many factors a judge will take into consideration when deciding whether to award maintenance, and you will want to understand whether you may be eligible to receive maintenance or whether you may be required to pay spousal support.
How Much Will My Divorce Cost?
The costs involved in your divorce will depend on many factors. These may include whether your case is contested and the complexity of the issues that will need to be addressed. For example, resolving issues related to child custody and child support can extend the divorce process and increase the costs, especially if a guardian ad litem or child custody evaluator is appointed. You will want to discuss your attorney’s fee structure and the amount of work needed to address the issues involved in your case to get an idea of the full extent of your divorce-related costs.
Our Mt. Prospect Divorce Lawyer can Answer All of Your Questions
If you are planning to end your marriage, you likely have many questions about the legal, practical, and financial issues that will need to be addressed during your divorce. Skilled Northwest Cook County divorce attorney Nicholas W. Richardson can provide the answers you need and work with you to achieve a positive outcome to your case. Call our office today at 847.873.6741 to schedule your free consultation.
Resources:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=6000000&SeqEnd=8300000
Introducing The Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson
Nicholas W. Richardson is an experienced divorce lawyer and mediator whose comprehensive legal knowledge, commitment to clients and reputation for results bring lasting solutions to your problems.