What to Ask a Divorce Lawyer?

Going through a divorce can be a challenging and emotional time.

You’ll have many important decisions. They will affect your personal and financial life.

Hiring an experienced divorce lawyer in Las Vegas is crucial. You must trust and communicate with them well. Doing so is key to getting a good divorce settlement.

Knowing what questions to ask is key. It will help you find the right lawyer for your needs. So, ask when interviewing prospective divorce attorneys.

How to Find the Right Divorce Lawyer in Las Vegas

Narrow down your search to a few qualified candidates. Look for attorneys with years of expertise explicitly handling divorce cases in Nevada. Then, set up consultations and come prepared with questions. Here are some essential things to ask:

Ask About Their Experience

• How long have you been practicing divorce law in Nevada? Look for at least 5-10 years of experience.

• About how many divorce cases have you handled in your career? Look for an attorney who has guided hundreds, if not thousands, of clients through the process.

• What types of divorce cases have you handled? An attorney has experience with complex divisions of assets. They also have experience with child custody disputes. They work with high net-worth individuals and handle tough settlements. Such an attorney will be beneficial.

Understand Their Approach

• Do you lean more toward litigation or pursuing settlements? There are pros and cons to both approaches that you should understand.

• Would you describe your strategy as aggressive or cooperative? Make sure their strategy aligns with your goals and personality.

• Can you walk me through your typical timeline and process for a divorce case? Understanding what you can expect will help you prepare.

Discuss Logistics

• Where is your office located? Look for an office near your home or work in Las Vegas.

• What are your availability and scheduling policies? You want an attorney who is responsive and can meet when needed.

• Who makes up your support staff? Get to know your attorney’s team, including paralegals, assistants, and legal staff.

• What are your billing rates and payment options? Get free details in writing upfront. Average hourly rates for experienced divorce lawyers in Las Vegas range from $250-$500+.

Verify Credentials

• Where did you earn your law degree? Look for an attorney who graduated from a reputable law school.

• Are you licensed to practice law in Nevada? They should be a member of the State Bar of Nevada in good standing.

• Do you belong to any professional legal organizations? Joining groups like the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers shows commitment.

Consider Compatibility

• Do our personalities mesh well? You’ll be working closely, so a good rapport is critical.

• Are you comfortable with my communication style and needs? Please make sure they are responsive to your preferences.

• Do you feel I’ve communicated my overall goals? Confirm you are aligned on what you want to achieve.

Questions About Your Specific Divorce Case

How Will Assets Be Divided?

• What is considered community property vs separate property in Nevada? Understand how this impacts division.

• How will real estate, investments, and retirement accounts be divided? Details are key.

• Are there business assets that need to be addressed? More complex assets require experience.

What About Debt and Bills?

• How will joint credit cards and loans be handled? Don’t go it alone.

• What about individual debts incurred during the marriage? Your lawyer can help negotiate who pays what.

Alimony Considerations

• Am I eligible for spousal support? Your attorney can assess if alimony applies.

• How is the duration and amount determined? Get estimates tailored to your situation.

• Can I modify the agreement later if it needs to change? Understand your options.

Child Custody Issues

• Should we pursue joint legal and physical custody? Your lawyer can advise what may work best.

• How are visitation schedules and holidays typically handled? Know what a standard plan may look like.

• If needed, can custody agreements be modified later on? Circumstances can change over time.

Child Support Questions

• How are child support amounts calculated in Nevada? There are state guidelines to follow.

• Who will cover health insurance and other child-related costs? Be sure these details are addressed.

• Should we agree to contribute to college savings? Your lawyer can include this if desired.

Tax Implications

• How should we handle tax filings during and after the divorce? Don’t overlook the tax impacts.

• Who will be responsible for any joint tax liabilities? Avoid surprises down the road.

• How are exemptions, deductions, and credits handled for the children? Optimize these tax considerations.

The Divorce Process in Nevada

Filing the Petition

• What are the recognized grounds for divorce in Nevada? Understand what qualifies you to file.

• What is the residency requirement for filing in Nevada? You must meet this threshold.

• When is the divorce process considered officially started? After filing and serving papers.

Serving Your Spouse

• Who can legally serve the petition on my spouse? Your attorney will handle proper service.

• What options do I have if I don’t know my spouse’s location? You still have recourse to proceed.

Discovery and Documentation

• What financial disclosures are needed from each spouse? Taxes, assets, debts, and income must be revealed.

• What records or evidence can my lawyer request? This builds your case.

• How is the documentation used in settlement negotiations? Leverage thorough preparation.

Reaching a Settlement

• What mediation or arbitration options exist? This can expedite resolution.
• Is a collaborative divorce process a good option? There are some benefits, but not for all.
• Realistically, how long could it take to settle? Manage expectations.

Contested Divorce Litigation

• What is involved in depositions and interviews? Be prepared if going to court.
• How does litigation resolve disputes over assets, support, and custody? Understand the court process.
• If there is no settlement, how long could contested litigation take? Know the timeline.

Finalizing the Divorce Decree

• What happens when we finalize the decree with the court? Get clarity on the next steps.
• How long will it take to divide assets per the agreement? This process takes coordination.
• What makes the decree officially enforceable? Court approved and filed.

Changing Agreements Later On

• If needed, can I modify support arrangements? Understand options for adjustments.
• How difficult is it to change custody or visitation terms later? What steps are required?
• Can I renegotiate aspects of the decree due to significant life changes? Some flexibility may exist.