Top Questions to Ask a Divorce Lawyer

When you are considering a divorce in the Chicago area, you may already realize that there are many different family law attorneys who handle divorce cases. Even if you are anticipating a relatively straightforward divorce in which you and your spouse agree on all terms, it is still essential to hire a Cook County divorce attorney who can advocate for you throughout your divorce. There are many different potential issues that you might not be anticipating right now. Even if you and your spouse have come to a preliminary agreement about financial issues and child custody, these matters can become contentious. You should always have an experienced lawyer on your side.

It can be difficult to know how to find the right family law attorney for your divorce. It is important to meet with a lawyer and to ask a variety of questions before you decide to hire him or her. The following is a list of questions you should consider as you meet with family lawyers for divorce consultations.

Do You Have Experience Handling Cases Like Mine?

You will want to find a divorce attorney in Chicago who has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether you are facing a high asset divorce or a divorce involving complex child custody matters. Your divorce lawyer should have experience navigating a variety of issues that can arise under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA)

How Will I Communicate With You During the Divorce?

It is important to know how you will communicate with your attorney. For example, will you be able to email or even text to receive updates about your case, or should you expect to communicate only over the phone or in person?

 How Will I Access Information About My Case?

How will you receive documents pertaining to your case and relevant case updates? Will you be able to access information electronically?

Can I Speak With Previous Clients or Have Access to Client Testimonials?

Can your lawyer put you in touch with previous clients or provide you with detailed testimonials from previous clients?

Who Else Will be Involved in My Case at the Law Office?

Will you lawyer be the only one working on your case, or will other attorneys at the firm also be involved? Should you also anticipate working with paralegals and other staff members? How will you communicate with those persons?

How Much Will My Divorce Cost?

How much should you expect the final cost of your divorce to be, and how will you pay your attorney. 

Are There Options to Limit My Out-of-Pocket Costs?

Are there any ways to limit the costs associated with your divorce? Can settling your case through a property negotiation limit overall costs, for example?

How can I Begin Planning for Child Custody Issues?

Are there steps you need to take as you begin gearing up for a complicated child custody case? What actions can help your child custody case down the road? 

How Much Alimony or Spousal Maintenance can I Expect to Pay/Receive?

Should you anticipate receiving or paying alimony or spousal maintenance? And if so, how much? 

How Long Will the Divorce Take?

How long is your divorce case likely to last? Is there a specific minimum amount of time before your divorce can be finalized? And are there any ways to speed up the process without compromising on any matters that are important to you?

Contact a Chicago Divorce Attorney

The questions above are examples of questions you might consider asking in an initial consultation with a family law attorney in Cook County. An experienced Chicago divorce lawyer at our firm can speak with you today about your divorce and any concerns you have. Contact Arami Law, Inc. for more information.