Questions To Ask Your Divorce Lawyer

If you are contemplating divorce and are meeting with a family lawyer for the first time, asking the right questions will make your session much more useful. Questions about family and spousal support and cost, among others, need to be clearly discussed.

Ellis Legal Group has all the answers to your questions. Our seasoned family lawyers serving Okotoks and Calgary at large specialize in formulating equitable divorce settlements that protect your mental health and assets without hurting your spouse or disrupting your children’s well-being. To learn more about how we can make your divorce as painless as possible, call 403-879-1635 or fill out the online contact form.

The foundation of a solid working relationship between you and your lawyers is laid by asking the relevant questions. We recommend asking questions on the following topics:

• Expectations: Do not go through the entire process wearing rose-tinted glasses. Your lawyer should be in a position to tell you what you can realistically expect based on the facts surrounding your divorce. How has the court historically ruled divorces similar to yours? What are the laws pertaining to the issues in your divorce? Making expectations clear from the get-go allows you and your lawyer to focus on making the best-case scenario a reality.
• Practise Style:  Every lawyer has their own unique philosophy around how best to approach separation cases.  Some lawyers will recommend out of court options such as mediation or negotiation, others will recommend court action.  Some lawyers are very aggressive and others will recommend a more cooperative approach.  There may be numerous methods for resolving your matter, however what is important that you and your lawyer are on the same page as to the process and tone of the proceeding. Ensure that you understand what your lawyer's strategy will be for handling your case.
• Communication: Set clear rules of communication with your lawyer. Cooperation requires your lawyer to be on the same page as you. Do not assume that their preferred way of communicating is the same as yours. Will you be primarily communicating by phone, email, or in-person meetings? How often will you be communicating? How will you receive the paperwork related to your case?
• Cost: Settling a divorce can be expensive, so ensure that you fully understand how the lawyer will bill you for their time. While it is often very difficult for a lawyer to provide you with an estimate of the cost, a good lawyer can suggest strategies for minimizing unnecessary expense on a file.  If a lawyer does not ask you to sign a retainer agreement before acting for you outlining their fee structure, then this is not the lawyer for you.
• Process:  Ask your lawyer to map out the process for resolving your matter.  What are the steps that you will go through to manage your matter?  How long will each step take?  What are the options available to you?

Resolving your separation will involve disclosing your most intimate and private details to your lawyer.  And it can be a very long term relationship.  Asking the right questions will ensure that you choose the lawyer who is a good fit for you.

Feel free to ask us how we can serve your needs.  Call 403-879-1635 or complete the online contact form.

Q: Can we still own property together after we separate?
A: Yes you can. Separated and divorced couples can still own property together but it is not necessarily ideal.  The objective of separation is usually to sever all ongoing financial ties so that each party can have a fresh start.

Q: Do I absolutely need a lawyer to represent me in my separation or divorce?
A: No you do not, however it will be a lot easier if you have one.  Lawyers can provide you with the best advice as to your rights and obligations as well as develop a customized strategy for resolving your separation in the most efficient manner possible.