7 Questions Your Florida Collaborative Divorce Attorney May Ask You
As you contemplate your divorce, are you discovering that it is a complex and emotional journey? Are you finding that it is also overwhelming in all the legal, financial, and personal considerations? Did you realize that when you work with a Florida divorce attorney and your goal is to have a collaborative divorce, they will plan to gather as much relevant information as possible to guide you through the process effectively. Our goal is to determine the best way to represent your interests. With that said, there are seven questions we would like to ask as we get started thinking about your potential case:
- What are your goals for your divorce? You need to know and understand that your goals and priorities, when it comes to your divorce, are crucial. Your Florida attorney will need to know what you want to achieve from the collaborative divorce proceedings, whether it is custody arrangements, property division, financial support, or any other specific outcomes.
- Do you want an uncontested divorce? What does that mean? An uncontested or collaborative divorce is usually smoother and less time-consuming. Your Florida attorney will want to know whether you and your spouse are in agreement about the divorce terms or if there are disputes that need resolution.
- Have there been any discussions between you and your spouse in regard to custody arrangements? Do you have children? If you do, then custody arrangements are a significant concern. You will need to answer questions from your Florida attorney about your preferences regarding legal custody, physical custody, visitation schedules, and decision-making authority.
- Did you know that you will need to reveal your assets and debts to your Florida attorney? Be aware that financial matters play an important role in divorce proceedings. Be prepared to discuss your assets, such as property, savings, investments, and retirement accounts, as well as any outstanding debts.
- In regard to your spouse, do you know your spouse’s financial situation? It is crucial that you know and understand your spouse’s financial situation. Your Florida attorney may ask about their income, assets, debts, and any pertinent financial details to ensure a fair settlement.
- Is alimony or spousal support on the table for discussion? Will alimony or spousal support be a factor in your divorce? Your Florida attorney will want to know about your financial needs and your spouse’s ability to provide support, including the length and amount of support you are seeking.
- What about the division of property? Be aware, property division can be complex, especially in cases involving substantial assets. Your Florida attorney will ask about what your desired approach to dividing marital property is, whether it is through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
To conclude, it is important to approach these questions openly and honestly with your Florida divorce attorney as you approach a collaborative divorce. Their goal is to provide you with the best possible legal guidance tailored to your situation. Remember that attorney-client confidentiality ensures that the information you share will remain confidential.
We understand that you may have many questions about collaborative divorce. When your family or financial health is on the line, trust attorney Paul Riffel to help you protect your interests and achieve your goals. Attorney Paul Riffel has been practicing law in Florida for over 41 years, focusing in the areas of Tampa estate planning and family law. We encourage you to contact us and schedule a meeting with us.