8 Things You Need to Ask Your Divorce Lawyer

The first time you contact divorce attorneys in Jacksonville, Gainesville, Daytona, Fleming Island or Boca Raton, you may feel overwhelmed and that’s to be expected. A divorce is a very emotional and physically trying time, so it’s expected that you might not know exactly what to ask during the first meeting. Here are a few questions you might want to consider when speaking to an attorney.

What is this going to cost me?

The costs of a divorce vary based on the attorney and the complexity of the case. When you first meet your attorneys and explain your situation they will be able to give you an estimate of the cost. You are responsible for your own legal fees but it's possible the court may order one spouse to pay the other’s fees.

 

Why should I choose a family law attorney? Can’t any attorney do this?

Family attorneys are highly experienced in family law and this is the only type of law they practice. Any attorney can represent you in court but Florida family law is very intricate and it takes a considerable amount of time to figure out all of the nuances. An attorney who handles family law will already be familiar with the law and how it will apply to your situation. There won't be any guessing because divorce attorneys in Jacksonville, Gainesville, Daytona, Fleming Island and Boca Raton know Florida family law, it's their specialty.

Can I do this without an attorney?

Sure, you could. But do you really want to? Again, Florida family law is a special body of legal knowledge, you would be starting from the bottom with learning the basics and then trying to understand the law as you go. If your spouse retains a competent, qualified attorney they will be light years ahead of you in knowledge and action. Representing yourself may save you money up front but it may cost you big in the end.

What is the alimony going to cost me?

Alimony is based on several factors including the current lifestyle of the spouses, incomes, duration of the marriage, the physical and emotional state of the spouses.  Also, what will be needed for spouses to transition to a single lifestyle and gain employment so they are self-sufficient. There are several kinds of alimony under Florida law: rehabilitative, bridge the gap, permanent, and durational.

Rehabilitative alimony is for a spouse to use while learning skills to become financially independent. Bridge-the-gap alimony is intended to help the transition from married to single life by providing funds for a place to live or transportation. Permanent alimony is awarded and continues until the receiving spouse remarries or passes. Durational alimony is awarded for a specified period of time and then stops.

Divorce attorneys in Jacksonville, Gainesville, Daytona, Fleming Island and Boca Raton know all about alimony and will make sure that if you are entitled to alimony you will receive it, or if you have to pay alimony you will pay what is fair and not excessive.

My wife’s behavior and activity is causing our divorce, she’s most at fault for this. Does that work in my favor?

Florida is a no-fault divorce state; there will be no determination about who caused the marriage to fail. However, fault may be used in the division of property, alimony, responsibility of support, and child visitation.

What are you going to do for me?

We are going to look out for your best interests. There are other divorce attorneys but we are one of the most experienced, knowledgeable, and trusted family law firms in Jacksonville, Gainesville, Daytona, Fleming Island and Boca Raton. You will be represented by a reliable family law firm and we make sure that you are treated fairly and given equitable judgments from the court. We handle all the paperwork, court processes, and other legal procedures.

Don’t men always get a raw deal with divorces?

No. A well-represented man in family court will have all the same advantages as his wife. The court doesn't have special laws for men or women, but well-trained divorce attorneys in Jacksonville, Gainesville, Daytona, Fleming Island and Boca Raton can make all the difference in the world. Every time you go to court the attorney will be there looking out for your best interests and making sure that you are treated fairly throughout the process.

My buddy told me I'm going to lose half of everything I own. Is that true?

All cases are different situations leading to different outcomes. Don't think that what happened to a friend is going to happen to you also. It's important that you work with a highly qualified team of divorce attorneys so you get the best representation available.

Kenny Leigh and Associates has 5 offices in Florida including: Jacksonville, Gainesville, Fleming Island, Daytona, and Boca Raton. We serve Northeast Florida and South Florida.

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