{"id":351776,"date":"2020-04-20T07:38:20","date_gmt":"2020-04-20T12:38:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/family\/divorce\/questions-to-ask-a-divorce-lawyer.html"},"modified":"2024-10-05T16:01:53","modified_gmt":"2024-10-05T21:01:53","slug":"questions-to-ask-a-divorce-lawyer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce\/questions-to-ask-a-divorce-lawyer.html","title":{"rendered":"Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Divorce Lawyer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Divorce Lawyer <\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/christie-nicholson-j-d\/\">Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            October 05, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p>Divorce is a legal process and a divorce attorney is best suited to help you with your divorce.&nbsp; Creating a list of questions, based on your needs, can help you choose the best divorce lawyer as your advocate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Below are some questions you should ask a divorce lawyer before hiring them at your first meeting. The answers to these important questions will help you decide which attorney will reach the best possible outcome in your case.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#Handle\">What do you handle that I can\u2019t DIY?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Work\">Who will work on my case?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Experience\">What is your experience? What practice areas do you handle?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Fees\">What are your fees?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Tell\">What shouldn\u2019t I tell my ex-spouse?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Talk\">How often do my attorney and I need to talk?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Paperwork\">How will I get my paperwork?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Schedule\">What do I need to schedule a divorce consultation?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Alimony\">How will my attorney address child support and alimony (spousal support)?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Cost\">What is the total cost of a divorce?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Down\">How can I keep divorce costs down?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Long\">How long do divorce cases take?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Court\">Do I have to go to court for a divorce?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Split\">What is split custody vs. joint custody?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Attorney\">Find the right attorney for you<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"Handle\"><\/a>What Do You Handle That I Can&#8217;t DIY?<\/h2>\n<p>Family court judges take attorneys more seriously than pro se petitioners. Attorneys understand how family law cases work and are familiar with the local court rules.<\/p>\n<p>A good attorney should explain how your divorce case will proceed and what they can do to help you along the way.<\/p>\n<p>Some attorneys offer a combination of options, such as preparing your court forms and representing you in court.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Work\"><\/a>Who Will Work on My Case?<\/h2>\n<p>Sometimes, non-attorneys work on research, create documents, and handle part of the legal process for your lawyer. For example, if you and your spouse have significant assets, your attorney may need to recruit a forensic accountant to help.<\/p>\n<p>Your attorney should handle most of the work on your case and oversee everyone helping on the case. It may be a red flag if non-attorneys handle most of the work.<\/p>\n<p>Your attorney should appear in court on your behalf. If the firm sends an associate to cover a motion or hearing, it&#8217;s OK. But, your family court attorney should handle all important court appearances.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Experience\"><\/a>What Is Your Experience? What Practice Areas Do You Handle?<\/h2>\n<p>An attorney should easily explain the different legal areas they handle.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family.html\">Family law<\/a> should be one of their main areas.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/pennsylvania\/wyomissing\/rowe-law-offices-pc-NDc0NDI0N18x\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family law attorney Cheryl Rowe<\/a> explains it this way: &#8220;The first question you should ask is, &#8216;how much experience do you have handling cases like mine?&#8217; Then, follow up by asking &#8216;how many cases do you try vs. how many do you settle?&#8217; The first goal is to resolve your case outside of court, but your attorney should prepare your case from day one as though you are going to court.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>You can visit your state&#8217;s bar association\u2019s website to view an attorney&#8217;s experience and past disciplinary action. If a family law firm doesn\u2019t have reviews on its website, ask for references from previous clients.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Fees\"><\/a>What Are Your Fees?<\/h2>\n<p>Your divorce attorney will charge an hourly rate, flat fee, or request a retainer. The attorney should be completely upfront about\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/attorney-fees-and-agreements\/types-of-legal-costs.html\">how you\u2019ll pay them<\/a>, even if they can&#8217;t predict the precise number of hours it will take to resolve your case.<\/p>\n<p>Typically, a law firm will offer a free initial consultation. This gives you a chance to ask specific questions and explain your situation. Most free consultations take place over a 30-minute phone call. You may also be able to visit the attorney\u2019s office in person.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The first step in saving money during your divorce is to go with an attorney who will give you a free consultation,&#8221; Rowe notes. &#8220;You don&#8217;t know if you are going to like the person you are talking to, or whether you will be ready to proceed.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/paralegal.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">paralegals<\/a> or other staff handle parts of the case. The hourly rate for non-attorney personnel is lower than for a lawyer.<\/p>\n<p>Most experienced divorce attorneys charge $150 per hour or more.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Tell\"><\/a>What Shouldn&#8217;t I Tell My Ex-Spouse?<\/h2>\n<p>Never discuss your case with third parties, including your soon-to-be ex-spouse or family. This helps ensure you have the best chance at the outcome you want.<\/p>\n<p>You can tell your ex about generic updates (&#8220;You should hear from my attorney soon&#8221;), but let your attorney discuss specifics. For example, don&#8217;t tell your spouse, &#8220;We are going to take half your money and go for sole custody.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>An attorney should warn you that your spouse\u2019s attorney will use all your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.findlaw.com\/law_and_life\/2017\/06\/can-text-messages-be-evidence-in-a-divorce-case.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">communications with your ex<\/a> in court.<\/p>\n<p>Your attorney should tell you never to start a conflict with your spouse or use your children as bargaining chips.<\/p>\n<p>A good attorney should help guide your interactions with your ex and tell you when to stop contact for the benefit of the case.<\/p>\n<p>If you are filing for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence\/domestic-violence-restraining-order-faqs.html\">a restraining order<\/a> due to domestic violence, don\u2019t warn your ex. Your attorney will handle the order of protection and divorce at the same time.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Talk\"><\/a>How Often Do My Attorney and I Need to Talk?<\/h2>\n<p>It depends on how complex your case is. Most cases take time, so you can expect to talk to your attorney one to five times a month or a few times a week at the beginning.<\/p>\n<p>If your case involves <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges.html\">criminal charges<\/a> or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence.html\">domestic abuse claims<\/a>, you may need daily contact with your attorney.<\/p>\n<p>Some attorneys will answer quick questions for free, and some will charge you for their time.<\/p>\n<p>A good attorney should ask what method of communication you are comfortable with and for your relevant contact information. You may communicate with your divorce lawyer via email, phone calls, videos, or in-person meetings.<\/p>\n<p>Most attorneys will email you with matters that aren\u2019t urgent or complex but call about more complicated issues.<\/p>\n<p>However, Cheryl Rowe, Esq., cautions against using email all of the time: &#8220;Don&#8217;t email excessively. If there is a lot going on, pick up the phone and call the office. We can cover a tremendous amount of ground in a 15-20 minute phone call. This is much more cost effective.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Paperwork\"><\/a>How Will I Get My Paperwork?<\/h2>\n<p>Your attorney will use email for communication and simple file transfers but never for credit card information, bank account numbers, or secure paperwork.<\/p>\n<p>Many attorneys have secure file-sharing programs, payment portals, and online signing programs. Use a secure system or website to send financial records and documents containing your Social Security number.<\/p>\n<p>Generally, divorce attorneys no longer use paper mail.<\/p>\n<p>An attorney should explain the security and the programs you\u2019ll use throughout the process.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Schedule\"><\/a>What Do I Need to Schedule a Divorce Consultation?<\/h2>\n<p>Your attorney should tell you\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.findlaw.com\/law_and_life\/2014\/07\/5-things-you-should-bring-to-a-divorce-consultation.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">what to bring<\/a>. It might involve gathering your assets, records, income statements, and past court judgments.<\/p>\n<p>Your attorney may also ask you to consider your ideal\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-custody\/custody-help.html\">custody<\/a> arrangement or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce\/divorce-property-division-faq.html\">division of property<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Alimony\"><\/a>How Will My Attorney Address Child Support and Alimony (Spousal Support)?<\/h2>\n<p>It is usual for an attorney to say, \u201cIt depends,&#8221; when you ask about these issues. They won\u2019t be able to discuss alimony, child support, or child custody without having your financial information.<\/p>\n<p>Your attorney may be able to provide a ballpark answer about financial changes or spell out the factors that can affect these matters.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Cost\"><\/a>What Is the Total Cost of a Divorce?<\/h2>\n<p>This question has no official answer because it depends on many factors. The attorney you choose should be able to listen to details about your case and give you a ballpark estimate of attorney fees, retainer fees, and cost of the divorce.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/average-cost-divorce-getting-divorced-us-2019-7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Average divorces<\/a> in the U.S. cost about $15,000.<\/p>\n<p>If you have no children or significant assets, your attorney will likely resolve your divorce case faster and cheaper. If you and your spouse don\u2019t get along and disagree about the divorce terms, it will be more expensive and take more time.<\/p>\n<p>Remember that estimates can change, and having lots of back-and-forth discussions with your attorney will increase the cost.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Down\"><\/a>How Can I Keep Divorce Costs Down?<\/h2>\n<p>A good attorney should be able to listen to your case and point out some money-saving aspects, such as amicable communication with your ex or gathering records in advance.<\/p>\n<p>Rowe has four tips for saving money in your divorce:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>&#8220;Go with an attorney who offers a free consultation.<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;Don&#8217;t worry about hourly rates. Worry about experience. Experienced lawyers may have a higher hourly rate, but they tend to be more efficient. They already know the law and don&#8217;t have to bill you for hours of legal research.<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;Don&#8217;t email excessively. If you have a lot going on, pick up the phone, It&#8217;s more cost effective.<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;Do the legwork. Round up as much financial information as you can. The sooner we have your full financial picture, the sooner we can get a proposed settlement together.&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>You should tell your attorney if your ex has a history of lousy communication or handling conflict poorly. They can look for solutions and prepare for misconduct along the way. This goes for anyone with mental health issues, people with an addiction, alcoholics, or a history of abuse.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Long\"><\/a>How Long Do Divorce Cases Take?<\/h2>\n<p>The divorce process can take anywhere from 60 days to a year or longer. Amicable divorces can move quickly if both parties agree on terms.<\/p>\n<p>Some states have a mandatory waiting period between filing for divorce and court proceedings, which can be anywhere from 30 days to six months.<\/p>\n<p>Average divorces in the U.S. take from four to 11 months. Complex divorces often take over a year.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Court\"><\/a>Do I Have to Go to Court for a Divorce?<\/h2>\n<p>A &#8220;divorce proceeding&#8221; requires you to appear in court at least once.<\/p>\n<p>An experienced attorney should be able to tell you what to expect if you choose\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/adr\/mediation\/what-is-mediation-.html\">mediation<\/a>,\u00a0settle\u00a0outside of court, or take your case to trial.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Split\"><\/a>What Is Split Custody vs. Joint Custody?<\/h2>\n<p>Your attorney should be able to explain the differences between joint and sole custody in ways you understand. Keep asking for clarification until you understand the\u00a0court may divide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-custody\/custody-overview.html\">child custody<\/a> between you and your ex.<\/p>\n<h2>Do You Handle Collaborative Divorce?<\/h2>\n<p>Some attorneys specialize in handling collaborative divorces. In a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce\/collaborative-family-law-overview.html\">collaborative divorce<\/a>, you and your spouse resolve your divorce issues without going to court. It only works if the spouses agree to an uncontested divorce. The two parties sign a participation agreement stating they\u2019ll act in good faith and fairness.<\/p>\n<p>Once the spouses agree on the material terms of the divorce, they\u2019ll sign a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce\/settlement-agreements-and-court-approval.html\">marital settlement agreement<\/a>. Your attorney submits a copy of this agreement to the court, and the judge will sign it. You will not have to go to court.<\/p>\n<p>If either party refuses to continue the collaborative divorce process, both spouses&#8217; attorneys must withdraw from the case. The parties must hire new divorce law attorneys to handle their divorce litigation. The first attorney who dealt with the collaborative divorce process can&#8217;t represent either party in the divorce case.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Attorney\"><\/a>Find the Right Attorney for You<\/h2>\n<p>Selecting an attorney to help you with your divorce is an important decision. You want to trust them,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-is-the-attorney-client-privilege.html\">communicate well<\/a>, and trust their legal advice. It may take a few free phone consultations before you find the right <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/divorce\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">family law attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n  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<fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    You may not need an attorney for a simple divorce with uncontested issues\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Legal advice is critical to protect your interests in a contested divorce\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Divorce lawyers can help secure fair custody\/visitation, support, and property division\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>An attorney is a skilled advocate during negotiations and court proceedings. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/divorce\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL24\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                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rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce.html\">\n                        Divorce Overview\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage.html\">\n                        Marriage Overview\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support.html\">\n                        Child Support Overview\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/divorce\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Divorce Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/child-support\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Child Support Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/same-sex\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Same Sex Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/fathers-rights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Father&#8217;s Rights Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Adoption Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/custody-visitation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Custody and Visitation Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"actionImageCard aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12\">\n    <div class=\"fl-image-card\">\n                <div class=\"fl-image-card__content\">\n            <div class=\"action-card-layout\">\n                <h2 class=\"action-card-layout__heading\">\n                    Don&#8217;t Forget About Estate Planning\n                <\/h2>\n                <div class=\"action-card-layout__content fl-text-lg\">\n                    <p>Divorce is an ideal time to review your beneficiary designations on life insurance, bank accounts, and retirement accounts. You need to change your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/estate-planning.html\" title=\"DIY Forms\">estate planning forms<\/a>&nbsp;to reflect any new choices about your personal representative and beneficiaries. You can change your power of attorney if you named your ex-spouse as your agent. Also, change your health care directive to remove them from making your health care decisions.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/estate-planning.html\" class=\"action-card-layout__button fl-button fl-link-button secondary\">\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Start Planning<\/span>\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Findlaw explains what questions to ask when hiring a divorce lawyer, including questions about fees and the divorce process.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":351716,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2730],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-351776","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-family"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351776","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=351776"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351776\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":399591,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351776\/revisions\/399591"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351716"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=351776"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=351776"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=351776"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=351776"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=351776"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}