Tips for Working with Divorce Attorneys

Although it is a very personal situation to you, courts prefer to view divorces the same way they would a breakup of a business: the dissolution of a partnership with assets to be divided between the partners. It’s your attorney’s job to help you navigate the legal process and achieve the best results possible on your behalf. In order to effectively work with your divorce attorney, it’s essential to be thoughtful about your communication, preparation, and how you use their professional services.

Keeping the following tips in mind when working with divorce attorneys can help you save time and money on your divorce case:

1. Avoid Using Your Divorce Attorney as an Emotional Advisor

One of the most important things to keep in mind when working with divorce attorneys is to avoid using your legal counsel as your emotional advisor. If you need to express your feelings, process your emotions, or you’re having difficulty coping with the emotional aspects of divorce, it’s best to see a therapist or counselor. Not only are these professionals trained to help with these matters, but discussing emotional issues with them will be less costly than venting to your attorney. Remember, your attorney will charge for the time you spend communicating with them, regardless of the topic.

2. Know That Your Attorney is Not the Decision-Maker

Your attorney will advise you regarding your rights, options, and their consequences, create a strategy in your case, and guide you through the legal procedures associated with divorce. However, they are not the decision-maker and cannot tell you what to do. Although they can help you weigh the pros and cons of accepting certain settlement options or proceeding through the litigation process, and they may offer an opinion on whether any course of action is a good idea given your goals as expressed to them, the decision-making authority ultimately lies with you.

3. Work with Your Attorney, Not Against Them

There are a myriad of emotions involved in divorce and it can often be difficult to act in a calm manner when working with divorce attorneys. While it may be easier said than done, try to always remain business-like and act sensibly. Your attorney has an obligation to inform you of the law and act in your best interests. A good attorney will tell you what you need to hear and provide candid legal advice, even if you don’t think the potential outcomes are fair. Sometimes what a client thinks is fair in their case may not align with the law.

4. Always Be Honest with Your Attorney

Your attorney may ask you blunt questions. It’s crucial that you are always honest with them, even if you need to provide information that may not portray you in the most favorable light. When working with divorce attorneys, do not lie, omit information, or tell half-truths. Your attorney needs to know the whole truth to develop an effective strategy in your case and obtain the best possible results.

5. Be Prepared Before Meeting with Your Attorney

Be prepared before you meet with your attorney. This will save you time (and ultimately, money). Know why you want a divorce and how you came to this decision. You should also gather the following documentation, which your attorney will ask for:

• Copies of your income tax returns for the last three years
• Your last three pay stubs
• Information regarding your spouse’s income
• Documentation of other household income
• Savings and checking account information, including account numbers, names of banks, and whose names the accounts are in
• Information regarding any other investments, including stocks and bonds
• Documentation of real estate holdings, including the purchase date, purchase price, title, mortgage balance, and current value
• Information about jewelry, artwork, and valuable collections
• Pensions and retirement information, including the title, date of inception, and most current value
• Information regarding debts and all money owed, including to whom, account numbers, when the debts were incurred, for what purpose they were incurred, when they are due, and whose name are they in
• Educational and employment background of you and your spouse, including any special skills and/or potential employment
• Any other financial matters or situations not covered above

Importantly, full financial disclosure must be made in every divorce matter in Maryland. Since this documentation can often be time-consuming to gather, it’s best to begin collecting it as soon as possible.

6. Ask Questions

It’s your case. You should ask your attorney questions if you are unclear about anything. You are the person who will be living with the outcome, so do not be afraid to inquire if you do not know what a legal term or procedure means. You should try to understand as much as possible so you can make informed decisions.

7. Only Call Your Attorney When Necessary

A tip that will help you minimize costs when working with divorce attorneys is: only communicatewhen necessary. Every time you communicate with them (whether by phone, email, text, or in person), you will be charged, no matter what you talk about. From the outset, you should be clear about your expectations regarding communications with your attorney. Ask them when you can expect to hear from them about certain topics. Sometimes, it may be best to consolidate your questions into one communication, rather than send multiple communications. But if you are facing an urgent issue that requires prompt action, you should not hesitate to reach out.

Contact an Experienced Maryland Divorce Attorney

If you are going through a divorce, it’s vital to have a knowledgeable and dedicated advocate by your side to protect your legal rights and financial interests. At Strickler, Platnick & Hatfield, we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the divorce process and providing them with the support they need every step of the way. To learn more about how we can assist you, contact Strickler, Platnick & Hatfield to schedule a consultation.