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| Separating Couples |
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- Prenuptial Agreements
- Post-nuptial Agreements
- Same-sex Agreements
Family Law clients at Mead & Associates, P.C. receive personal service, with excellent results. If you face a contested, complicated divorce involving the division of major assets or valuation of a business, our attorneys will maximize your recovery and secure spousal maintenance awards. In custody cases, our attorneys commit to achieving arrangements that secure your children's best interests.
When you think that you are in a situation that needs legal help, it would be a good idea to be prepared before you consult an attorney. Here are some helpful tips* to assist you in preparation of your case.
- First, try to speak to a counselor, someone who is experienced and educated in the field of family issues and social services. Do your best to work through your marital issues with a counselor. Some cities in the Northwest Valley have free services for families through their community services departments, or your could approach through church organizations and other family services. Check with your insurance agent - some plans provide counseling services as part of their insurance benefits. If counseling is not successful, the husband and wife should attempt to communicate between themselves as best as possible, expressing their concerns and feelings.
- Do not involve your children in divorce matters. Avoid - at all costs - involving your children in the divorce process. If you are unable to resolve your differences through personal communication, counseling or social service assistance and feel like a divorce is imminent, you should contact an attorney for an initial consultation. Most attorneys will provide an initial consultation for less than their hourly rates and some may provide initial consultations free of charge.
- When you you decide a divorce is the only solution, be prepared to provide your attorney with some basic documents. Gather copies of important financial and legal documents such as tax returns, deeds, titles to vehicles and all other legal documents.
- Make sure you understand all the fees involved in divorce or separation. You have the right to ask your attorney to explain all aspects of your divorce including the process and fees. Most attorneys bill on an hourly rate that should be made clear on your first appointment. Family Law attorneys do not bill on a percentage of the estate or the outcome of the case. Some of the work on your case may be done by a paralegal and their rates will differ from the rates of your attorney.
- Speak to your attorney about all the issues your are concerned about. He or she will describe your rights. Your discussions with your attorney are covered under the attorney-client privilege. It is very important that you are open and honest about your situation so that the attorney may analyze your situation. Your discussions are confidential and protected from disclosure later, even if you choose not to retain that attorney. The initial consultation should give you enough information to determine if now is the time to approach the divorce or if it's better to wait. It is recommended that you consider all your alternatives, and trust your instincts when considering an attorney. It is not necessary to hire the first attorney you interview - it's important that you are comfortable with the person that will be handling your case.
**This information does not constitute legal advice.