subject: What To Do Before Calling A Divorce Lawyer Welland [print this page] Most people know that it is important to hire a divorce lawyer to represent them in court. Before you hire a divorce lawyer Welland, however, there are a few things you can do to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. If you take the time to follow the requisite steps, you will know you have done everything you can to ensure a reasonable and favorable result.
Consider Your Options
It is never a good idea to meet with a divorce lawyer St. Catharines if you have not first decided that a divorce is what you want. Perhaps a formal separation would be more appropriate to the circumstances, in which case you will still need representation. However, it is important to first determine what exactly you want. Think over your decision for several days before scheduling an appointment so you know you are approaching the situation with a clear head.
Keep in mind that, once your spouse knows you have met with a divorce attorney, your relationship will change. This does not mean you cannot both change your minds down the road, but you should know the potential repercussions. If you are having second thoughts, take some time to discuss the situation with a loved one, think it over, and perhaps seek counseling.
Research Attorneys
You might meet with several attorneys before you choose one to represent you in your divorce action, but conduct some research first. You want to find a divorce lawyer Welland who specializes in divorce and family law. He or she should have significant experience in this area of law, and should have the necessary qualifications. More important, you should feel comfortable with your attorney.
An initial consultation is the time to ask questions and gauge personality. Before that meeting, use every available resource to help you decide. Read reviews online, ask family and friends for referrals, and read everything on the attorney's web site.
Collect Data
Your time is valuable, as is your divorce lawyer's. Prior to meeting with an attorney, amass as much data as possible that might help you in your action. These might include financial documents, bank statements, kids' birth certificates, employment records, investment documents, and anything else you feel is relevant. This data will help your attorney present the best case possible.
It is a good idea to create a folder in which to assemble all information related to your divorce. You can keep it in a safe place and make copies as necessary for legal counsel. You might keep your documents at a family member's house so that it is safe, or at your own residence if you are already separated from your spouse.
Write a Summary
The more your divorce lawyer Welland knows about your unique situation, the better equipped he will be to represent you in court. Prepare a summary of your relationship with your spouse. Detail important information about when you met, where you were married, when your children were born, and where you both worked. Include both objective and subjective data. For example, you might provide your observations about the decline of your relationship.
This summary should give your divorce lawyer Welland a basic overview of your entire marriage. If there is an issue with infidelity, substance abuse, physical or emotional abuse, or any other problem that might assign fault to one party or the other in the divorce action, your lawyer needs to know about it.
Once you have taken care of these steps, you can call a divorce lawyer to start the process. Your attorney will tell you what additional information he or she needs, and will have questions about your relationship, assets, children, property, and finances.
