Previously, Sandra Fava, a contributor to this blog, did a piece on preparing for the initial divorce consultation with a lawyer. The process, however, starts even before that. On our web site, we have an advice piece entitled Preparing for the Divorce Process.
Since it is linked to this post, I will not repeat everything contained in the piece. However, the topics contained in that piece are as follows:
- Speak to an attorney now, not later
- Selecting the right attorney (including how to get referrals for an attorney)
- Gathering documentation
- Preparing for the initial meeting
- Telling the truth
- Keeping a diary; and
- Trusting your attorney for legal advice (as opposed to friends, family members, co-workers, etc.)
Do I stay or do I go? This is not an easy question to answer. However, if you are even
contemplating a divorce, divorce planning (and not in the nefarious way that often goes with this phrase) is essential, especially in difficult economic times. Divorce can be a long, highly charged, expensive process – emotionally and economically. Being prepared and keeping
perspective, at least as much as humanly possible, can help you save time and legal fees
while protecting your and your children’s interests.