Finding out about your spouse hiring a divorce attorney could be the height of shock. It may just feel as though your world has come crashing down, with no direction on which way to go forward. This sets off a chain reaction that may leave you anxious, angry, or even betrayed since this is quite a serious escalation in your relationship. The reality of divorce may be overwhelming; a building sense of fear about what the future holds may begin. But everything is more appropriately addressed when done with a clear mind. While it may appear to be at a disadvantage, the fact that your spouse has hired a lawyer should not leave you in the dark. You still have choices to make and rights to uphold. You can face this better by taking fast and proper action. This article will offer a guide on what to do if your spouse hires a divorce attorney before you do.
Consider Your Own Legal Representation
Your immediate reaction once your spouse hires a divorce attorney is to hire an attorney yourself for the protection of your legal rights and interests. A divorce attorney Austin Texas will walk you through the complexities of divorce law and prepare you for your options along with the associated legal procedures. To select the best attorney, first, shortlist all the candidates who have experience in family law and have successfully led cases of divorce. Get recommendations from trusted sources and search online legal directories.
Avoid Confrontation
When your partner hires a divorce attorney, you may have the urge to attack them for their decision. This may cause more damage to the situation, making it grow further from bad to worse. It is more sensible to approach this with thoughtfulness. Give yourself time to reflect on your feelings.
Gather Important Documents
Preparation also entails assembling all key documents of divorce, as this will help explain your finances and make all procedures easier. Assemble financial statements: bank statements, tax returns for a couple of recent years, recent pay statements, and statements for investment and retirement accounts. This documentation will give a thorough overview of your assets and income. Besides this, you need to compile collateral documents such as real estate deeds, mortgage statements, vehicle titles, and appraisals of valuable assets. If you have children, put together children-related documents, such as their birth certificates, school records, and medical information that are currently in place. Further, list the legal documents relevant to your case, including your marriage certificate, any prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, and any prior court orders.
Prepare for the Next Steps
To go forward, you would have to prepare for what’s next. Understand the divorce process: how can you file a divorce, types of divorce, mediation order, and the usual duration. Reflecting on what your priorities and long-term goals will be regarding the divorce shall direct your decisions onwards. Most importantly, you will retain the services of a divorce attorney in Austin Texas. The initial consultation reveals your situation, describes your rights, and devises a plan of action toward achieving your goals. If you are well-prepared and act proactively, you can make this transition without stress and confusion.
