Communication between you and your divorce attorney is a critical part of the divorce process. Importantly, there should be no secrets between you and your lawyer. Here are four important pieces of information that you should receive from your attorney.
- Case Overview
Before your case begins, your attorney should give an overview of the divorce process so you know what to expect. It is important to know the pros and cons of your divorce case and to be frank about the cons. A false expectation can only make the process more difficult. She should review the strong parts of the case and also where things could go wrong, and then formulate a plan for addressing the weaknesses.
2. How Much The Process is Going to Cost
Full transparency is essential when discussing how much the case is going to cost. Litigation can be expensive and the client needs to be aware of the potential price tag. Similarly, this discussion should address the aspects of the case that the client wants to spend time fighting for or defending. The cost will also depend on how difficult it might be to obtain what the client wants. Additionally, the emotional toll that the divorce will take on the client and the family should be discussed with the attorney. In California, a litigated case will take a minimum of a year and could take as long as three years or more. Your attorney should make sure you are ready to deal with a case that may take that long. Most people do not want to be stuck in the divorce process for that long so it’s important that your attorney clarifies what a client might have to deal with if a divorce takes years to complete. However, if it is not going to be litigated and you choose to divorce collaboratively, the length of time will depend on the clients themselves. The complexities of any given case can be driven by financial conflicts or custody issues. If these are present and you are handling your case collaboratively, the involvement of a financial professional or a divorce coach will go a long way towards shortening the divorce process.
3. Making Other Divorce Options Available
Divorce cases do not have to be litigated. There are more options available, and your attorney should discuss these options with you. Mediation is a possibility if the other spouse is willing participate and discuss the issues with you and the Mediator. Collaborative Divorce is another option. To learn more about Collaborative Divorce in California, watch below:
Kim Mediation Whiteboard video from Crouch Group on Vimeo.
4. Have a Support System
Your attorney should encourage you to have a support system. A support system in a divorce is always a good thing, whether it is family members or friends or a divorce coach in the Collaborative Divorce model. The support system is there to help you through the emotional difficulties of a divorce, and ultimately, having this support system allows for a smoother and quicker transition. In a Collaborative Divorce, you have an entire support system, comprised of the attorney, a divorce coach, and a neutral financial professional. It is important to remember that you should not use your children as your support system. Rely on your professional team, friends and family members for your essential support system to maintain a healthy emotional balance for your kids.
These are important things you should hear from your attorney which would allow you to have a solid working relationship with her and to work through the divorce process.
If you are considering divorce and would like to know what your options are, contact us at Kim Mediation and Law Center for a free 15-minute phone consultation.