How to Search Thoroughly for a Divorce Lawyer

Divorce happens even to the most secured couple. For some reasons, there will just come that time when you no longer see eye to eye, and you both need to resort to divorce. Because both of you think that it’s the best option. Sometimes it is the best option because everyone makes mistakes. Some marriages just weren’t meant to be, and divorce helps them start all over again.

A Divorce Lawyer Who Communicates Well

The difference between a successful divorce case and a failure is communication skills used by your lawyer. A good lawyer should be able to communicate well with your spouse as well as with the other attorney. Good divorce lawyer annapolis md should guide you and make things easy for you and not just look to increase their fees. This means that if certain settlements are possible without the lawyer’s help, then he should encourage you to do them. These can include property division and sometimes even child custody.

A Divorce Lawyer Who Is Honest

Honesty is a key attribute of good divorce lawyer annapolis md. Your divorce lawyer is the most important part of your team. He has to think about your welfare and be upfront with information even if it sometimes is upsetting to you. This saves time, emotional energy, as well as money. Experienced divorce lawyers will guide you through the process and get you to focus on the big picture and keep you from sweating the small stuff. Also remember that honesty works in both ways. You need to be completely honest with your lawyer and understand that the information you give him or her will not be made public, with the exceptions mentioned previously. It is usually better to admit you once committed a crime (or exercise the right against self-incrimination) than to lie about it under oath.

A Divorce Lawyer Who Is Compassionate

Good divorce lawyers are also good people managers—they realize that a divorce is more than just a legal separation—there are emotions involved. You need to find a lawyer that truly cares about you; a lawyer that wants to give you the best outcome and a lawyer that understands your feelings and emotions with the case. A lawyer that understands the stress you are under, and can help alleviate the aches and pains of the process by helping you along the way. An understanding lawyer is a great support during difficult divorces. At the same time remember not to lean too much on your lawyer for emotional support, it is costly and unproductive.

After you have decided whom you want to represent you, a reputable lawyer will send you his or her written agreement concerning fees and will give you time to ask questions about the agreement before you sign it. If a lawyer asks you to sign an agreement in his or her office without giving you the chance to think it over, look for another lawyer. Sometimes it's worth showing the agreement to your business or personal lawyer, whom you trust. If and when you do return the written agreement, you usually have to include the retainer check required as your initial payment.

 Wise & Donahue, PLC
410-280-2023
18 West Street Annapolis, MD 21401
www.wisedonahue.com

How Divorce Works: The Basics

Do you have any idea how the divorce process really works?

Others might describe it as simple and others, very complicated, but you’ll never know when you get there because every divorce case differs. So, what’s the first step when you want to legalize your separation with your spouse?

Learn the basics of how the divorce process works by consulting a divorce lawyer. This way, you’ll be properly guided and even get expert advice about what you should do next and so on.
You might want to read the following basic elements on how divorce is being legally processed:

1. Filing a petition

The very first step when you decide to get divorced is to file a petition which either one of you can file. But take note of the advantages when you are the first one to file, make a research maybe.
The petition will contain the grounds of your divorce, which depends on the jurisdiction. Don’t be weary about the nature of these specific grounds because your lawyer will clearly explain every detail of it and tell of the available options.

Where to file for divorce?

The process of your divorce petition as well as the required documents varies depending on the state, county, or district. Therefore, you better hire a divorce lawyer who primarily practices in your area.
Also, when you need to answer divorce petition, ask guidance from your lawyer about how to properly fill out the paperwork and even the consequences if you fail to answer the petition. Moreover, when you are the first one to file for divorce, you must file proof of the service process to show that a copy of the divorce petition was given to the other party.

2. Requesting temporary orders from the court

Financial support and child custody are the most common temporary orders in a divorce. When you don’t have any source of income to support your basic needs such as paying for electric bills, or to buy groceries, you can request a court order. Same with child custody, where you can temporarily look after your children and also ask your husband or wife for child support.

Temporary orders are only effective until a full court hearing. When you are the first one to file a divorce, file it together with your temporary order. And if not, you should file your temporary order as early as possible.

3. Negotiating with the other party

If the opposing parties already agreed on all issues regarding their divorce, then, no need to undergo negotiation. However, if a conflict is not yet settled, both parties should try to negotiate their differences. If major factors such as child custody and visitation is not yet agreed, the court may order mediation to be conducted by a social worker or a court employee evaluating the children and parents.

4. Court hearing

Your divorce case will not go under trial if there is total mutuality between you and your spouse. Because if both parties cannot solve a certain issue no matter what method had been made, the court will take action to decide for it.

5. Order of dissolution

This phase is where your marriage totally ends and where the final decision of the distribution of properties, debts, child custody, support and other factors is declared as per approval of the judge.
Be fully equipped with the right knowledge and with the right people before you file for divorce lawyer annapolis md to avoid adding salt to the wound. Don’t be too hard on yourself and just seek the help of a divorce lawyer.

Wise & Donahue, PLC
410-280-2023
18 West Street Annapolis, MD 21401
www.wisedonahue.com