Charlotte Divorce Lawyer Blog
Make the Most of Your Divorce Consultation: Questions to Ask Your Attorney
The decision to separate and divorce can be fraught with questions and concerns. This is often one of the most stressful times in your life, yet you need to understand the process and what to expect as you move forward with your life. A consultation with a qualified divorce attorney is the first meeting with legal professionals and allows you to learn some basic information and get answers to general questions. The consultation may be in person or sometimes by phone or video chat.
Why You Need an Initial Consultation
For most people, an initial consultation is the first step in the separation and divorce process. If you are unfamiliar with the process, it is helpful to seek guidance so you can understand what happens throughout the procedure. You probably have many questions that are best answered by a knowledgeable family law attorney. It is not always a good idea to take advice from friends because every situation is different, and there may be various laws that apply to your case. A consultation will put your mind at ease. It is also a chance to meet with your attorney to make sure that there is a good fit.
Questions About the Process
If you have never gone through separation or divorce before, you are bound to have questions about how the divorce process works in North Carolina. You will want to learn as much as possible so you know what to expect. Under current North Carolina law, couples must live apart for at least one year before they may seek a divorce. It is also helpful to know that couples may get a divorce based on irreconcilable differences. This is called a no-fault divorce and offers the simplest path to end a marriage. Ask your attorney to explain the legal procedure, including what your involvement will be throughout the proceedings.
Questions About Divorce Settlement
For many couples, dividing property is one of the most challenging and sometimes contentious parts of divorce. Couples need to work together as much as possible to come to an agreement regarding the distribution of marital property. Marital property includes anything you or your spouse obtained during the marriage. There are several exceptions that you will need to review with your attorney. You may have concerns about specific details of the settlement. Some of the issues can become complicated, especially when the couple has been married a long time, has a high net worth, or owns a business together. Your attorney will help make sure that the settlement is divided fairly and equitably.
Questions About Child Custody and Visitation
If you have children, their well-being is of utmost importance. Generally, both parents may share legal custody of their children. Typically, children will reside primarily with one parent and have regular visits with the other parent. You probably have some questions about how child custody is determined and what you can do to create a custodial arrangement that is best for your kids. Take some time to understand how a parenting plan will be of value and what to include in the plan to ensure that it provides guidance in the future.
Take some time to write down all of your questions so you are prepared for your first meeting with a law firm. While the attorney may not be able to answer all of your questions without further investigation, you will have a good foundation of information that will enable you to take the next step in the process. If you are considering divorce, we are here to help. Our team of compassionate attorneys will guide you along the way. Contact us at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to schedule an initial consultation.
The family law practice group at Arnold & Smith, PLLC includes two Board-Certified Family Law specialists and one Child Welfare Law specialist, as well as several attorneys with many years of family law experience that are committed to providing a powerful voice to individuals facing the often-tumultuous issues in this area of law. The range of issues our family law clients may be facing include pre- and post-nuptial agreements; separation agreements; post-separation support; child support (both temporary and permanent); absolute divorce; divorce from bed and board; military divorce; equitable distribution of assets; child custody (both temporary and permanent); retirement benefits and divorce; alimony and spousal support; adoption; and emancipation. Because this area of the law is usually emotionally charged and complicated, the family law attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC act with the utmost dedication to ensure that each client understands his or her options, and then act to achieve the best result possible for that client’s particular situation.
Source:
https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/divorce-and-marriage/separation-and-divorce
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https://www.freeimages.com/photo/toy-house-car-and-cash-with-engagement-ring-1891617
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