Setting up your first appointment with a Toms River divorce lawyer can be a little nerve-racking; it is normal to feel stressed out and worried for your case. To help you out, here are a few tips on how to make the most of your first meeting:
- First off, remember that you definitely are not alone. About 10% of the U.S. population is divorced; a first marriage has a 20% chance of ending in divorce within the first five years, and this goes up to 33% within the first 10 years.
- Next, try to get as organized as possible — this will help you out more than anything else. Get all of your paperwork organized the night before (or even earlier, if possible) so that you are not tossing and turning all night, worrying about things you might forget to bring. You’ll probably also have paperwork to fill out before your meeting, so make sure to get this taken care of ASAP.
- Some people like to plan out their driving route in order to arrive a few minutes early. Five or 10 minutes is usually early enough to feel on-time (but it is not too much time to sit around and twiddle your thumbs, either).
- Write down a list of questions and concerns that you have. This will ensure that you do not forget to discuss anything important. These questions might include expected costs (including lawyer’s fees and court fees), the expected time it will take, whether or not the case can be handled outside of the courtroom, and (if applicable) how child custody and child support concerns will play out.
- Remember that your Toms River divorce lawyer will be asking you questions, too! If you think you might get nervous, try to prepare your answers beforehand. These questions will likely include the technicalities of your marriage, your reason(s) for seeking a divorce, any possible issues with finances or distribution of marital property, and whether you and your spouse hope to reach an agreement that will allow for amicable contact after the divorce.
Most importantly, keep in mind that this initial meeting is not intended to put you on the spot. It is just a chance for you and your lawyer to meet up and discuss how you will handle your case. When you are working with a great Toms River divorce lawyer, you can be sure that you will leave this meeting feeling comfortable and confident.