For most Oklahoma spouses, getting a divorce is uncharted territory and they have no idea what to expect. Because even a friendly divorce can quickly become an adversarial process in family court, it is advisable to consult with an experienced divorce attorney who can guide you through the legal process. A family lawyer can address any concerns you have about how the changes in your marital status will affect your family’s well being, financially or otherwise.
Once you have found a divorce attorney who you are comfortable with, there are several things you can do on your own to help your divorce lawyer do their best for you. Here are a few tips on how you can prepare for your first meeting with an Tulsa divorce attorney.
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Process
The first thing you can do to prepare for your first meeting with a divorce attorney is briefly familiarize yourself with the process of divorce in Oklahoma. This will allow you and your family lawyer to communicate better and enable you to better understand as he addresses issues pertaining to your divorce. You can familiarize yourself with Oklahoma divorce law by going over information found on:
- Your attorney’s website
- The websites of organizations devoted to divorce and family issues.
- The local court’s website, which may have step-by-step information on how to file for divorce.
- Other state websites that offer divorce support, answer frequently asked questions and offer legal information pertaining to divorce.
In addition there are many books, pamphlets or other resources distributed by government agencies, legal aid groups and attorneys to provide consumers with basic information about divorce and a general overview of the divorce process.
2. Round up Your Documents
The next thing you should do to prepare for your first meeting is to gather any items or documents that your attorney has requested, or anything that you think may be helpful to your attorney in assessing your case. This may include financial documents such as, bank statements, 401k statements, mortgage documents and your car payment history.
If any lawsuits have been filed on your behalf, or on behalf of your spouse, your attorney will want see the pleadings from that case including any complaints, answers and counterclaims filed, as well as any orders that have been issued by the court since the lawsuit was initiated.
If you have already received a divorce decree or separation agreement and you have issues concerning your custody order or divorce settlement, your attorney will want to see these specific documents as well.
3. Have Your Questions Ready
Prepare any questions you may have for your divorce lawyer in advance. You may for instance inquire about:
- Your attorney’s legal experience
- Legal fee arrangements
- The divorce process and how long it may take
- What you will be expected to do
- How often you will be in contact with your attorney and by what method.
In fact, prepare any questions that you may have regarding how your attorney can assist your divorce and remember to write them down so that you don’t forget them
4. Be Willing to Talk
Last but not least, you should be prepare to tell your story and to discuss, in some detail, the history of your relationship with your spouse. Be truthful, as it is important for your attorney to get a clear and honest picture of your relationship and what you need, require and desire to obtain from your divorce.
Summary
To summarize, finding the right attorney is the first step in getting divorced. Once you have chosen an attorney, you can make the most of your first meeting with a divorce attorney by taking the time to familiarize yourself with the Oklahoma divorce process, gather any documents needed, prepare any important questions you have and by being prepared to talk honestly about your relationship with your spouse.
Free Initial Consultation: Tulsa Divorce Attorneys
For a free consultation to learn how the Divorce of Tulsa Law Office can protect your interests and help preserve your peace of mind, call us today at 918-924-5526.
Alternately, send the Tulsa divorce lawyer a question using the “Ask a Lawyer” form on this page. Enter your e-mail address or phone number and we’ll get in touch as soon as possible.
For a free confidential consultation, call now: 918-924-5526.
