It takes significant research and deliberation to find an attorney for your divorce case. There are many benefits to working with a Kansas City, MO, divorce attorney, but you only get these benefits if your attorney has the knowledge, compassion, and skill needed to represent you. Asking the right questions during a consultation or initial meeting can go a long way when determining if an attorney is right for you.
A first meeting with a divorce attorney is helpful for many reasons; it can help you understand your case better, allow you to ask questions, and let you get a feel for a potential attorney. Any family law case covers sensitive and personal matters. When you are selecting a divorce attorney, it is important that you feel comfortable with them and that you can trust them with this important case.
Questions to Ask Your Attorney
Attorneys have different skills in family and divorce law, along with different levels of experience in these cases. You may be able to get a feel for an attorney’s abilities through reviews, their past cases, and their past clients. Scheduling an initial meeting is a good way to get additional information about an attorney’s skills as a lawyer and as a communicative and professional individual. Some questions you could ask include:
- What is your family and divorce law experience? Determine the number of cases that an attorney has worked on in family law and divorce court, as well as the breadth of that experience. A more experienced attorney might resolve your divorce more efficiently and successfully.
- Have you worked on cases like mine? There are different ways to get a divorce, including contested or uncontested. Not all attorneys have worked on every type of case, and it’s important that the attorney you work with has education and experience that is specific to your needs.
- What does your practice focus on? If you are getting a divorce and are a business owner, it can be helpful to work with a family lawyer who also has experience in business law. Whether you need such a specific background or not, make sure to find an attorney who primarily focuses on family law cases in their practice. That way, you can be sure that they have the relevant skills and resources.
- What is your policy for keeping in contact with clients? Communication is incredibly important between attorneys and their clients. Determine a firm’s policies and reputation for keeping clients updated, including practices for answering emails and providing needed information. You need to know that your attorney will treat your divorce case with the care and importance you deserve.
- What is your current caseload? If an attorney is too busy to focus their attention on your case, you may want to find one who can give you the individual legal support you need.
- Are there others who may be working on my case? This can help you determine the resources and team that are associated with your attorney. You can look into the experience of the other individuals who could be providing their support on your case.
- What are your fees? You should always ask about fees and costs upfront. Divorce and family law cases tend to be charged at an hourly rate, and the rate can be impacted by many factors. Some attorneys also charge an upfront retainer fee. Talking through these issues immediately can help avoid surprises or disputes.
If you feel comfortable with a potential attorney’s general abilities, you may want to ask questions specific to your case. This could include the results you could anticipate, the challenges you can prepare for, and what you must do to prepare for future meetings.
Talking with several prospective attorneys can help you more clearly understand your case from multiple legal opinions, which can further aid in your decision-making process.
FAQs
Q: What Are Three Questions You Should Ask a Divorce Lawyer Before Hiring Them?
A: Three questions you should ask a divorce lawyer before you hire them may include:
- Will you be working on my case personally? It can be helpful to know whether a lawyer or their team will be handling your case.
- Have you worked on cases similar to mine before? In addition to researching an attorney’s skills and experience, this can help you better understand their qualifications.
- How will this case be billed? It’s crucial that you understand how you will be charged for services.
Q: Does It Matter Who Files for Divorce First in Missouri?
A: It does not matter who files for divorce first in Missouri. Missouri does not offer any fault-based grounds for divorce, so neither spouse can file based on any grounds. There may be some tactical benefits to filing first, such as:
- Choosing where to file if the couple can file in multiple jurisdictions
- Presenting the case to the court first
For some, it may be considered a disadvantage to be the first to present the divorce case to the court.
Q: Is Missouri a 50/50 Divorce State?
A: No, Missouri is not a 50/50 divorce state. State laws empower the court to separate marital property according to equitable distribution laws. Marital assets are divided between spouses based on what the court considers to be fair, which is based on factors such as:
- Each spouse’s economic circumstances, including whether it is important that the marital home go to the spouse with primary custody of their children
- Each spouse’s contribution to marital property
- The value of each spouse’s separate property
- Each spouse’s conduct during their marriage
- Any marital misconduct
Q: What Should You Do Before Talking to a Divorce Lawyer?
A: Before talking to a divorce lawyer, it is important to prepare the necessary information regarding your divorce and finances. This includes:
- Reviewing attorneys for their experience, licensure, and qualifications
- Gathering all relevant documentation, including legal and financial documents for yourself, your spouse, and your children
- Determining your wishes for property division, spousal support, and decisions regarding children, along with where you are willing to compromise
- Writing down any questions you have about the general process and specifics of your case
- Determining what kind of legal support you are looking for
Finding the Right Divorce Attorney in Kansas City, MO
Reach out to the divorce attorneys at Stange Law Firm to see how we can provide you with the legal experience you need for your divorce case.
