Finding yourself in a situation where you need the services of an attorney of family law can be one of the most stressful times in anyone's life. No one goes in to a marriage with the expectation that it'll eventually end, but if reconciliation becomes impossible, it's vital that you take the appropriate steps to guarantee that your rights remain protected.
Below, you'll find a guide to some questions you should be sure to ask your family lawyer. Divorce is a complicated process, and gathering all of the necessary information can seem daunting. Having the answers to these questions will put you on the path to making sure that you stay protected and secure your future for many years to come.
Ask About Direct Negotiations
Too often, divorce is a business proceeding between parties who have animosity for one another. However, if you and your spouse still have a decent working relationship, you can take steps to minimize the hours you'll need a lawyer and, thus, decrease your costs.
Your lawyer will be able to advise you about topics you should and shouldn't feel comfortable attempting to negotiate with your spouse directly. Taking care not to broach topics that are too sensitive is important, as you want to be sure that you don't damage your standing when some matters eventually go before a judge.
Ask About Outside Experts
If a divorce starts to get more contentious, it's possible that you'll be faced with obfuscated or incomplete information from the other party. When that starts to happen, your lawyer may seek outside opinions in order to ascertain the truth.
Experts such as forensic accountants, private investigators, and even mental health professionals may have valuable skills and information for securing a settlement in your favor. If you believe that your ex is working to hide money or information from you, suggesting outside help may go a long way toward securing your interests.
Ask About Tax Consequences
It's natural to want to maximize your financial gains in a divorce settlement, but it's important that you don't accidentally cause yourself a significant tax headache in the process. Many people are unaware of the taxation realities associated with lump sum divorce payments, and may end up costing themselves a large part of their settlement without proper structuring. Your family lawyer will be able to work with you to minimize the associated tax consequences and guarantee that you remain financially secure.
Share26 June 2015
After my mom turned 68 years old, she started doing all kinds of strange things. She spent her monthly retirement checks on excessive amounts of food and clothing but didn't pay her rent or bills on time. At one point, she forgot who I was to her. Since my mom lived alone at an independent apartment complex, I couldn't monitor her behavior every second of the day. I brought these things to my mom's attention, but she refused to get medical help. After my mother called the fire department to report a fake fire, I took legal action. I contacted a general attorney and became my mother's power of attorney. I now had the right to monitor my mom's finances and medical care. If your loved one needs help, read my blog for information on general attorneys. You'll find tips, articles and much more to help you get started.