Divorce cases involve complicated laws and complex court procedures. Your interests likely are best protected if you retain a lawyer, according to "Nolo's Essential Guide to Divorce" by Emily Doskow. Upon retaining an attorney, you need to understand the types of information your lawyer requires to provide you will effective representation in your divorce case.
Types
The types of information you convey to your divorce lawyer falls into three different categories. First, you provide includes general information about your marriage and your relationship with your spouse. Second, you provide financial data. Third, you provide information about children born during the marriage, including your position regarding custody.
Significance
If your lawyer is not armed with all necessary information, she cannot prepare your case appropriately. Absent appropriate information from you, the lawyer is not in a position to defend you from accusations that might come from your spouse. Ultimately, the information your provide is so significant that it represents the foundation upon which your entire divorce case is built.
Time Frame
You must be proactive in providing vital information to your divorce attorney. For example, at the start of the case, you must provide him with detailed information about your finances, including financial accounts and real estate holdings. If you do not personally have documentation regarding your finances, you must let your lawyer know this as well. In addition, you need to advise your lawyer about relationship situations. If you were abused by your spouse, your lawyer needs this information. You need to provide your attorney basic information about your children, including names and ages as well as which parent provided primary care for them. Throughout the course of the case, you need to supplement information provided to your lawyer.
Misconceptions
A common misconception is that once you hire a lawyer, your duties in your divorce ends. In fact, they are only beginning. Your primary duty is to keep your lawyer well informed. That responsibility remains in place throughout the entire course of the divorce proceedings.
Expert Insight
The American Bar Association maintains consumer resources to aid you in finding attorneys experienced in divorce law. This includes contact information for local and state bar associations. Through these groups, you access directories of divorce lawyers in your area. The ABA also maintains contact information for organizations across the United States that provide no-cost legal representation to men and women who cannot afford an attorney.
References
- "Nolo's Essential Guide to Divorce"; Emily Doskow; 2008
- "The Complete Divorce Handbook: A Practical Guide"; Brette McWhorter Sember; 2009
- American Bar Association: Section of Family Law
