Supporting The Fight
Going through a divorce can be an emotional and complicated time. It can be hard to predict your future or find stable ground when you’re unsure how your divorce will carry out. However, knowing the right questions to ask before hiring a divorce attorney can make a significant difference in how you move forward. Below you’ll find the top ten questions to ask before hiring a divorce attorney.
What are the grounds for divorce in Rhode Island?
This is one of the most common questions to ask before hiring a divorce attorney. Knowing the grounds for your divorce can set the stage for upcoming processes and procedures. Rhode Island breaks divorce down into two main categories: fault and no-fault divorce.
No-fault divorce, also known as irreconcilable differences, basically means that neither spouse was at fault for the termination of the marriage. Fault grounds for divorce occur when one spouse accuses the other spouse of wrongdoing. Your potential divorce attorney can shed light on your divorce by answering this question.
What are the residency requirements for a Rhode Island divorce?
Other questions to ask before hiring a divorce attorney should involve residency requirements. One of the spouses must have been living as a resident in Rhode Island for at least one year to file for divorce in the state. If your partnership doesn’t meet the residency requirements, you may not be able to file for divorce in Rhode Island.
What’s the difference between a contested and uncontested divorce?
When two spouses can agree on the primary terms of their divorce, it’s referred to as an uncontested divorce. Uncontested divorces tend to move quickly and cost less. On the contrary, if two spouses face significant challenges and can’t agree on the terms of their divorce, they’re facing a contested divorce. Questions to ask before hiring a divorce attorney that include the level of agreement on conditions can help you understand your divorce timeline.
How does infidelity affect divorce in Rhode Island?
Infidelity is a ground for a fault-based divorce in Rhode Island. If your partner was unfaithful and you’d like to use this as a condition for a fault-based divorce, it’s essential to discuss this upon your initial meeting with your potential divorce lawyer. Adultery can affect the terms of things like alimony and separation of property.
Does the state of Rhode Island allow legal separation?
This is one of the most important questions to ask before hiring a divorce attorney. If you’re unsure if you or your spouse is ready for a divorce and you’d like to explore a legal separation first, your divorce lawyer can discuss how a formal separation works with the Rhode Island courts.
What is mediation?
Questions to ask before hiring a divorce attorney should always involve mediation. Mediation is when you work with a neutral third party to help you and your spouse compromise on the terms of your divorce. If you’re interested in exploring mediation, be sure to bring this up with your divorce lawyer at your initial consultation.
What are the benefits of mediation?
Your potential divorce attorney will be able to provide a list of benefits of going through mediation. Benefits, such as reaching compromises faster and saving money, are common reasons divorcing couples choose mediation. It’s highly recommended to explore the advantages of mediation before hiring a divorce lawyer.
Will my divorce go to trial?
If you’re facing a highly contested divorce, there’s a strong chance that it could go to trial. Asking this question before hiring a divorce attorney can help you understand the possibilities of a trial, what a trial would involve, and ways to avoid a trial if necessary.
How can you help me prepare for my divorce?
A divorce attorney can help you prepare in several ways. For instance, they can help you collect and organize important documents and financial records. They can prepare you on the best ways to communicate with your future ex-spouse going forward. They can also assist you in making major family decisions that involve things like child support and child custody.
Why is it important to hire a divorce lawyer?
It is crucial to hire a divorce lawyer for several reasons. When facing a divorce, you need to have someone who supports you, defends your rights, and has your best interest in mind. In addition, going through a divorce can be a highly complex process. A divorce lawyer can help you file for divorce, guide you through each stage, and help to produce the best possible outcome.
If you have questions to ask before hiring a divorce attorney, be sure to discuss them with Susan T. Perkins at your initial consultation. Rhode Island divorce attorney Susan T. Perkins has a strong background in family law and divorce law. She has a long history of successfully handling divorce cases, even the most highly contested divorce cases in Rhode Island. If you’re ready to discuss your pending divorce, contact the Law Offices of Susan T. Perkins today.
