5 Questions to ask your Ohio Divorce Lawyer before hiring them

Your initial consultation with a divorce lawyer is critical – it gives you incredible insights about the attorney and helps you decide whether they are the right option for you or not. Additionally, it also provides you with significant information about what you’ll need to do as the case progresses.

However, keep in mind that it’s very easy for you to be carried away by your emotions and stresses during the first meeting – especially if the divorce is new. That’s why it is essential to prepare (and even write down) a list of questions that you should ask the lawyer upfront, to ensure you get the most from the process, despite anything that might transpire.

Here are five questions to ask your Ohio high asset divorce lawyer before hiring them:

What’s your specialty?

Ohio has hundreds if not thousands of lawyers – however, only a few dozens specialize in family law, and asset divorce (to be more specific). You need a lawyer who deals with divorce cases exclusively as opposed to all types of cases. A lawyer who specializes in asset divorce will be very much instrumental to your case than one who is a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none.

How experienced are you?

In addition to specialization, try finding out how experienced the lawyer in question is. You can do so by looking at the number of years they have been in practice, and the asset divorce cases that they have handled during this time. Don’t stop there; inquire about their success and failure rates and whether they can take your case to trial if the need arises. Ask the lawyer about how experienced they are with the courtroom where your case could potentially be heard and their relationship with the prosecutors and judges. All these aspects play a role in determining the outcome of your case.

What can I expect regarding the division of assets?

Many divorce attorneys offer a straightforward formula for splitting joint assets between couples. Ask your attorney about the legal framework for allocating marital assets in Ohio. Often, the court starts by assuming that the asset will be divided equally between the spouses. Then, based on a range of factors, the balance may shift from one spouse to another. In the end, the allocation must be a fair distribution that reflects past efforts and future needs for you and your spouse.

What can I expect regarding child custody and support?

If you have children with your spouse, finding out about custody and support issues is paramount – especially if the two of you cannot agree in private as to who will stay with the children. Ask your lawyer what your chances are for obtaining child custody as well as the issues to concede to or challenge. Don’t forget to inquire about alternative dispute resolution methods like arbitration or mediation if you’d like to avoid going to trial.

I’m I entitled to receive alimony?

In general, judges don’t order alimony after short-term marriages of five years and below. However, if yours was a long marriage (20+) years, a judge may rule an open-ended alimony order with no termination date.