What You Should Tell Your Lawyer When Filing for Divorce in Florida
Filing for divorce without an attorney puts you at a distinct disadvantage, especially if your spouse has already “lawyered up”. An experienced divorce lawyer can protect your rights and protect your best interests.
However, to ensure your attorney is fully equipped to represent you, you must provide him or her with as much information as possible about your marriage and the events leading up to your divorce.
This includes:
- Hidden assets – It is never wise to hide assets when you are going through a divorce. If you fail to inform you lawyer, and the assets are discovered, you place your attorney and yourself in a difficult situation. Instead, be honest with your lawyer and heed any legal advice on how to move forward.
- Extramarital affairs – If you are having an affair, you must tell you attorney. Depending on your case, your spouse’s lawyer may hire a private investigator. To protect your interests and ensure your attorney is prepared, be forthcoming about relationships out of marriage.
- Domestic abuse – Many domestic abuse victims find it difficult to talk to friends and family. If you are suffering abuse at the hands of your spouse, you must tell your Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice, Florida divorce lawyer. He or she can guide you carefully through the process and protect you every step of the way. Further, your lawyer can help you file a restraining order if necessary, and even advise you on additional resources such as victim support groups and shelters.
By providing your lawyer with detailed information about your marriage and separation, you can greatly increase your chances of resolving your divorce case without conflict.
Review divorce-related issues
Prior to meeting with your divorce lawyer, you should create a list of divorce-related issues you would like to discuss. For example, if you have children, you should ask about child custody (parental responsibility), parenting rights, child support, and visitation (time-sharing). Other issues you should be concerned with are alimony, division of property and assets, division of debt, and mediation. Keep in mind that an initial meeting with a Florida divorce attorney is your opportunity to share important information, ask questions, and start the next phase of your life.
Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice, Florida divorce attorney who provides highly competent counsel
The Law Offices of Matthew Z. Martell, P.A., are dedicated to helping Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice families with their divorces. For more information, or to schedule an appointment with a skilled divorce lawyer today, Contact the Law Offices of Matthew Z. Martell, P.A. at (941) 556-7020.
