TIPS FOR WORKING WITH A DIVORCE ATTORNEY
By Lindsay C.Ronilo, Attorney at Law, Ronilo Law, LLC
Divorce can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, and partnering with an attorney as part of your divorce team shouldn’t add to the stress. Here are some practical tips to help you team up like pros and navigate the divorce process smoothly.
1. Create a timeline of your marriage. Whether you've been married for 3 years or 30 years, recalling key details during the stress of a divorce can be challenging. A timeline helpsyour attorney understand critical events, from the date of marriage and the birth of children to factors contributing to the marriage's breakdown. Take time, even over a few days, to jot down as many details as possible. Exact dates aren't necessary—general timeframes work well. Write everything down. Clients often recall new details across multiple meetings, so compiling a comprehensive timeline in one place helps your attorney efficiently organize and prioritize information, focusing on what's most relevant to your case.
2. Honesty is your best policy. Your attorney can’t help you best if there’s information you withhold. Even if there is something negative or even uncomfortable to share, it’s important that you tell your attorney so that your attorney can best strategize and navigate the ins and outs of your case.
3. Set goals and expectations. Talk with your attorney about what your goals for the divorce are (custody, retirement, alimony, etc.) and learn from your attorney about what the law says about each of your goals. This will help you work effectively together to form reasonable expectations and work towards your goals.
4. Ask questions. If there’s something you don’t understand either about legal terms or legal processes ask your attorney to clarify or explain more. It’s also helpful to write your questions down before meetings with your attorney so that you can make sure that you’re covering everything.
5. Gather records. Bank statements, retirement statements, texts and emails with your spouse, and property deeds are just some of the records your attorney will ask you to provide. Organize your records clearly and provide them to your attorney. This will help your attorney identify other information that may still be needed for your case.
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Neither Lindsay Ronilo nor Ronilo Law, LLC are establishing any attorney-client relationship with this informational article. Lindsay Ronilo and Women’s Wealth Boutique are not affiliated entities. If you have questions, you should consult with a lawyer experienced in family and domestic law.