There are some important divorce questions to ask when you meet with a divorce lawyer in South Africa. Most people contemplating divorce will consult an attorney to settle their affairs. It is important to approach your first meeting having prepared questions to ask your lawyer. So you can make sure that you get all the information you need to help you understand the process of divorce. And if the lawyer suits your case and learn how they operate.
The most important divorce questions to ask a lawyer in South Africa include:
- What are the steps involved in process of divorce?
- What is your experience in family law?
- Do you have experience in court?
- How do you think a judge would rule on my case?
- What are your fees?
- How will we keep in touch?
- What will the divorce cost?
- How long will it take for the divorce to finalize?
- What other resources are available to clients?
- Would you recommend mediation?
You are paying for the services of the attorney. So don’t feel shy to ask about anything you feel unsure of or would like to know about the case.
If you don’t ask the questions that pop into your head you can leave the interview without knowing that the lawyer is a good divorce lawyer and can help you with your case.
If you are comparing divorce lawyers ask each the same questions. So that you can compare their answers and decide which is the best for your needs and your budget.
Remember that you can’t always rely on your memory (especially during stressful times such as divorce). So it is best to record or write the lawyer’s answers down.
What are the steps involved in process of divorce?
There are a few steps involved in the divorce process in South Africa.
The lawyer should explain the process of divorce clearly to you.
Ask them to talk you through filing a divorce petition, the negotiation of the temporary orders and the actual trial process.
What is your experience in family law?
The attorney you consult will have a law degree but may not only practice family law.
So it is better to hire a lawyer who specializes in family law. Feel free to ask about cases similar to yours so that you can have an idea of what kind of outcome you can expect.
Do you have experience in court?
You will want an attorney that has experience in matters of separation and divorce.
Don’t feel shy to ask about the lawyer’s experience in a court of law. You can ask about the outcome of cases similar to your own.
How do you think a judge would rule on my case?
A lawyer cannot guarantee the outcome and specific results of a case. However they can make predictions based on previous cases they have worked on.
If the lawyer understands the facts that will make the ruling more favorable they will be able to strategize the case in such a way.
What are your fees?
You will want to know how much your divorce lawyer is going to cost you financially.
Ask them about the hourly rate and how often you would be expected to pay bills.
In addition ask what they will charge for any time you spend with other staff in the office and paralegals. As well as enquire about payment plans.
This may also interest you: Cheap Divorce Lawyers
How will we keep in touch?
Ask your attorney how they prefer to communicate. Whether by phone or email, and how tech savvy they are when it comes to scanning and sending documents via PDF.
You are also entitled to ask how long you can expect to wait for the lawyer to return your calls.
What will the divorce cost?
You will want to know the overall cost of your divorce.
Although it may be difficult for the lawyer to estimate this on the first meeting. But you can ask them to give you an outline of what other cost factors you may incur along the process.
How long will it take for the divorce to finalize?
Some people want a quick simple divorce. For others the process will take some time.
So it depends on whether you have a trial, settle quickly, or settle after negotiations.
Ask the divorce lawyer for an outline of how long each could take.
What other resources are available to clients?
Other than their immediate attorney services, good lawyers should also provide resources that can make the divorce process easier and less painful.
Some attorneys offer referrals to other professional services, reading materials and recommended therapists or counselors.
The character of your lawyer should also be patient and understanding.
Would you recommend mediation?
The lawyer should know whether or not mediation would be appropriate for the case.
A good lawyer often uses private mediation or other tools for dispute resolution.
To Summarize Important Divorce Questions
In summary we have learnt that there are some important divorce questions to ask a divorce lawyer in South Africa.
Therefore learn these and remember them so that you don’t forget what to ask in the meeting with your attorney.
Asking the right questions can save you a lot of time and money. Which can help you a lot as the divorce process in South Africa is already quite stressful.
This may interest you as well: Divorce Procedure in South Africa
You can get more information about divorce in South Africa on the official government website here: https://www.gov.za/services-residents/relationships/marriage/how-get-divorce