5 Reasons To Meet With A Divorce Lawyer, Even If You Aren’t Ready To File Yet

It is a common misconception that you should only meet with a divorce attorney if you're already confident they are ready to file and pursue divorce. Divorce is a significant life decision that will have a profound impact on you, your spouse, and any children you share, and therefore, seeking legal counsel as early in the process as possible - even if you’re not 100% positive you’re ready to take the next step - can be incredibly beneficial. Meeting with a skilled attorney allows you to gain clarity about your rights, options, and the potential outcomes of various decisions you will have to make if you ultimately choose to file for divorce. Plus, if you anticipate your spouse may be contentious during the divorce, it doesn't hurt to have the early "upper hand," so to speak, that an attorney can provide. In this blog, we'll explore why meeting with a divorce lawyer is essential even if you aren't yet ready to file and how doing so can pave the way for a smoother transition and brighter future, regardless of the ultimate decision regarding divorce.

A Divorce Attorney Can Help You Understand Your Rights And Options.

Unless you've already been through a divorce, you might not know how the process works or your options. Even if you aren't immediately considering filing for divorce, meeting with an attorney can be a proactive step toward understanding the legal landscape and the potential ramifications of ending your marriage. By initiating the conversation early on, you can gain clarity, guidance, and support during this time of uncertainty. Some of the most important information you can gather from your divorce lawyer is the difference between mediation, collaboration, and litigation. Not all divorces end up being tense courtroom battles; in fact, they rarely do. More and more couples are choosing alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation to reach mutually-beneficial agreements on all the issues pending in their divorce, like custody, child support, property division, and more. They appreciate the control and predictability of reaching an agreement outside of court rather than asking a judge - who is not familiar with their family or their unique needs - to decide. Unfortunately, not all couples reach a divorce settlement and must traditionally litigate their divorce in court. Even so, knowing what to expect is half the battle. By being as informed as possible, you can be better prepared for your divorce, no matter which pathway gets you to the other side. 

A Divorce Attorney Can Help You Plan For Future Financial Planning and Asset Protection.

One of the most critical aspects of any divorce is planning for your financial future as a single adult and protecting your share of the assets you and your spouse accumulated while you were married. You may be acutely aware of your financial circumstances right down to the penny, or you may be someone who has money in many different places. Getting a head start on the financial aspects of your divorce can only benefit you. Your divorce attorney can help you safeguard your assets, assess your financial obligations, and help you understand the potential implications of your property division.

A Divorce Attorney Can Help You Develop A Strategy For The Future.

You may have an idea of how you'd like to see things go regarding issues such as child custody, support arrangements, and post-divorce financial stability. However, many people eventually discover that what they thought they wanted at the moment can actually become a hardship in the future. Divorce attorneys can use their extensive knowledge and experience to help you consider how things may change in the coming years, especially if you have growing children. While they will always advocate for your desired outcome, they may help you better understand the long-term implications of your choices. This can help you move beyond the intense emotions you're experiencing in the heat of your divorce and make better decisions for your future.

A Divorce Attorney Can Help You Explore Alternatives.

If you communicate clearly with your divorce attorney and express that you're not sure you're ready to end your marriage, they can suggest alternatives to help you make this pivotal decision. Unfortunately, Texas is one of only 6 states that does not offer legal separation as an alternative to divorce. However, there are still a few other legal procedures that could help you achieve something similar to a legal separation. There is also the option of marital counseling, which may help you and your spouse get to the bottom of your issues. Then you two can decide whether to try to work through them before moving forward with divorce. By expressing your goals and uncertainties with your divorce attorney, they can better help you explore these alternatives and discover what you truly want regarding the future of your marriage.

A Divorce Attorney Can Assist With Legal Preparation And Documentation.

There is a considerable amount of paperwork and documentation involved in divorce. With your attorney's assistance, you will need to compile documents like financial records, trusts, tax returns, deeds, titles, prenups, postnups, and more. Some of those items may not be readily available and can take some time to obtain. When you meet with an attorney before filing for divorce, you give yourself ample time to gather background paperwork so that your lawyer has plenty of time to prepare. These documents are also critical to help your attorney to get a good picture of your financial circumstances. This will help them facilitate strong negotiations on your behalf and fight for an equitable outcome.

We’ve Been Where You Are. Let Us Help You Get A Solid Sense Of Direction.

Divorce is a serious decision, so it’s okay if you don’t feel completely ready to pull the trigger. However, it can only help you to meet with an attorney who can help you understand what’s at stake, what your options are, and what your future might look like if you choose to end your marriage. One thing we ask our clients who are unsure of whether to pursue divorce is to consider whether the cost of staying in your marriage exceeds the cost of leaving. If you believe it does, then it’s likely time to end this chapter and start a new one. We are ready and willing to walk with you through this challenging time. Our lead attorney, Hannah Hembree Bell, knows exactly what you’re feeling right now, because she went through the same thing in her own divorce. You can trust us with your family and with your future. Call today to book your free initial case evaluation and learn more about how we can put you on the best path forward to a life you’re proud of!