When you have decided to end your marriage, simplifying the divorce should be your immediate objective. Utah allows for both no-fault and fault-based divorce, but you must follow the necessary procedures and come to an agreement with your spouse. The separation agreement will sort major issues, related to distribution of assets, alimony, child custody, and child support. While you don’t need an attorney to initiate divorce proceedings in Utah, legal advice is indispensable in such circumstances. In this post, we are sharing more on how to select a Sandy divorce lawyer.
Ask around
Talk to your friends, family members, and acquaintances to know about divorce lawyers they have worked with. References can be really handy for sorting your options. You can also check on websites like Avvo, to find top attorneys. Most divorce lawyers in Utah have their own websites, where you can find considerable information.
Meeting an attorney
Not all divorce lawyers are same, and you must shop around. The first meeting with an attorney doesn’t have to cost huge, and you can ask questions that are relevant to your case. Many attorneys even offer free consultation for prospective clients. You can ask questions like –
- How long have you been a family law attorney in Utah?
- What percentage of your practice are dedicated to divorces?
- Have you handled a divorce with similar circumstances?
- How much do you charge?
- Who will work on my case?
A bunch of divorce lawyers often work for the same law firm. The lawyer you meet for the first consultation may not be the one handling your case personally. Ask if the concerned attorney is available. As for the fee, most attorneys in Utah have a retainer fee, or ask for an hourly rate. Make sure that you are aware of the overall costs of the divorce.
Discussing the concerns
Your first meeting with the divorce lawyer should be about your circumstances. Are you facing threats from your spouse? Will your spouse agree to your custody request? Do you have a considerable amount of marital assets? Do you expect alimony? These are some questions that you should answer and then talk to an attorney. Your lawyer will ask about your expectations from the divorce. If you don’t want to talk to your spouse directly, let your lawyer know.
Hire an attorney soon after you decide to file for divorce, so that you can protect your rights and interests.
