The choice to get a divorce is a major life decision, and asking oneself, “should I talk to a lawyer before asking for a divorce?” is common. Still, many separating couples, intimidated by the prospect of the unknown legal road ahead, feel it would be safer and easier to negotiate with one another before filing for divorce. For some, even talking to a divorce attorney might seem daunting.
While the decision of whether or not to contact a law firm is ultimately in the hands of each individual, it is sensible to turn to a trusted source. The American Bar Association suggests that “it ordinarily is a good idea to consult with a lawyer about major life events or changes such as a divorce.”
If you decide to engage the services of a divorce lawyer, it pays to book an initial consultation in the early steps of the divorce proceedings. First, the lawyer will be able to advise their client on how to put pre-divorce matters in order and save time and stress in the long run. Second, all parties have rights that need protection, and having a lawyer by your side is the surest way to have peace of mind. Having a lawyer involved as soon as possible might also alleviate complications if children are involved.
Starting an Initial Conversation with a Virginia Divorce Attorney
Good communication is essential to completing smooth and efficient divorce proceedings. All litigants in any divorce will want to contact a professional, trustworthy law firm with divorce law experience. Here are some ideas of what your lawyer in Virginia might ask to see during your initial visit.
- Any evidence to support grounds for divorce. In Virginia, certain acts, such as abuse or adultery, can be found as grounds for divorce, and your lawyer will want to know about this early in the process.
- A list of all marital assets. Anything you and your spouse acquired throughout your marriage — a home, investments, cars, etc. — counts as marital assets, and must be figured into the divorce settlement by the judge. This list will be instrumental in settling all spousal support and child support payments.
- Income from all sources. Bring in recent pay stubs, W2s, 1099s, tax returns, unemployment documents, and any investment gains you may have when filing for divorce. The lawyer will need to calculate child support payments for a divorce case involving children.
- Household budgets and expenses. Here, the more detailed and itemized a list you can produce, the more information your lawyer can use to help you efficiently proceed through your divorce process.
Contact Us Today
We intend for this list to provide a starting point for couples asking, “should I talk to a lawyer before asking for a divorce?”. If you are considering a divorce or going through a divorce and don’t know where to begin, we are here to guide you through the process. Call 800-516-3964 or contact us here to speak with our experienced and compassionate team of attorneys today.