As we
previously discussed, understanding what to expect in
divorce court can greatly reduce the stress you will undoubtedly
experience.
Similarly, you should know
what to expect from your
divorce lawyer. This will allow you to plan and be of
the utmost assistance in the presentation of your case.
1.
In the weeks leading up to your hearing expect
the requests for information from your divorce lawyer to increase. These may be
requests for updated financial documents, photographs, possible witnesses and
contact information, etc. The quicker you can respond to these requests the
better prepared your attorney can be. Your lawyer must have time to review the
information you provide, most likely provide it to the other lawyer, and
determine how best to present such information to the court. Waiting until the
last minute to provide requested information to your lawyer will only make it
more difficult to prepare for your case.
2.
Expect to meet with your lawyer to prepare for
your hearing. Your lawyer should be going over trial strategy, possible
evidence, and possible witnesses throughout the representation as he builds
your case. As the trial date nears, these meetings should increase and include
an explanation of what you can expect at trial and as well as your testimony.
3.
Expect that on occasion you may have difficulty
reaching your attorney. Just as the time
your attorney will spend with you and working on your case, understand that he
will from time to time have to spend that same amount of time on other cases.
Rest assured, when the time comes, your lawyer will be focusing on your case
and putting other cases on hold.
4.
Expect your lawyer will be communicating with
your spouse’s attorney. While you may have extremely hard feelings towards your
spouse, or even your spouse’s attorney, understand that family law attorneys
routinely have cases with one another and regularly communicate. Moreover, the
rules of procedure and the Court will expect the attorneys to communicate to
try to resolve as many issues as possible.
5.
Expect that your divorce lawyer will be
prepared. During your discussions and trial preparations, your lawyer should be
able to explain to you a trial strategy, how that strategy will be presented
and what the other side may present. This will further help you to be prepared
yourself and more calm on the day of trial.
Divorce court is scary; no question about it. However,
having a prepared and skilled lawyer at your side can calm those fears.
Labels: divorce, divorce court, divorce lawyer, family law attorney, kentucky, paducah, trial preparation