How to Start Your Divorce Case or Change Lawyers if You are Not Happy

​When family life gets complicated, your world can change overnight. It is normal to feel blindsided, overwhelmed, and unprepared.  It is easy to feel angry, scared and emotional. We understand what you are going through, and we are here to help. Our law firm has been around for nearly 50 years, and we have helped thousands of clients move forward with their lives.  If you are not happy with your current lawyer, and want to change counsel, we can help with that too.  Here are the steps to get started with your case:

How to Start a New Divorce Case OR Change Lawyers if You are Unhappy with Your Lawyer

1. Contact our firm at 516 773-8300 so we can learn more about your situation. During the intake, we can answer some of your questions about the process and meeting with an attorney.
2. Next, a free consultation with an experienced attorney will be scheduled at your convenience.  You will have a private meeting with one of our lawyers or mediators in the office or on Zoom.  We will give you information about your legal options, possible outcomes, obstacles, time frame and costs.  All details will be kept confidential.
3. Once you retain us, we will create a strategy to get you the best possible outcome in your case.  You will meet with your attorney and other support staff on a regular basis to discuss your concerns, questions and goals.
4. If you are changing lawyers, we will take care of all the paperwork. We will notify your prior lawyer for you, obtain your file and your final bill, and also notify the court so that we are ready to appear for you and meet all deadlines.  If your case is already scheduled for trial, you will meet with one of our partners to discuss trial strategy and settlement options.

 

What Should I Bring to my Initial Consultation with Wisselman Harounian Family Law?

Divorce and other family law situations can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Wisselman Harounian Family Law was established in 1976 and we can definitely help you. Start to gather as much information as you can so you can be prepared for your initial consultation. Our compassionate and caring attorneys will help you sort it out from there.  (You can email the information to info@lawjaw.com if you prefer.)

If you are considering getting divorced, one of the first steps you should consider taking is to meet with a divorce lawyer to understand your rights, options, and next steps. You are likely to have many questions during your first meeting. To make the most of your initial consultation with our you should come prepared. You should think about your priorities and goals regarding custody, where you will live, and financial issues. 

Here is some information you may want to bring:

• Questions you Might Have. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to get every document together before your first consultation. While it can be helpful to have this information organized, your lawyer can guide you when it comes to putting together a list of your assets and liabilities. What is important is that you begin to gather this information and that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible to begin the process. The information you’ll need will also vary depending on your situation. The most important thing you can do if you are facing divorce is to schedule your initial consultation with us so we can start helping you.
• Tax Returns. Tax returns can provide crucial information about your income and your spouse’s income. These forms can be useful when determining alimony amounts and child support amounts. Tax returns can also give your divorce lawyer a good sense of your financial situation.
• Bank Accounts. If you share a bank account with your partner, it is important to take steps to protect your finances and your money, especially if you are about to break the news to your partner that you want to get divorced. If you are concerned that your spouse might hide assets or accounts, the time to gather this information is now, before you break the news about your desire to get divorced.
• Prenuptial Agreements. If you signed a prenuptial agreement before you were married, bring a copy of this document to your initial meeting. We can review the agreement, help you understand whether it is enforceable, and help you take steps to protect your rights.
• Information about Investments and Retirement Accounts. Investments and retirement accounts must be divided with care. Failing to properly divide these accounts can result in tax penalties. We can help you with dividing your investments and retirement accounts with QDROs and other agreements. When dividing retirement accounts, it is also important to consider the potential tax burden of these accounts.
• Mortgage or Deeds. If you own property, bring copies of titles, deeds, or any mortgages you might have. If you pay a monthly mortgage amount, bring this information to your initial consultation.
• Debts. Any credit card statements, car loans, or other debts you might have should also be brought to your initial meeting with your divorce lawyer. Your divorce attorney will want to understand your whole financial picture, including assets and liabilities.
• Criminal Reports. If your ex has been abusive, has been arrested, or if you have had to get a restraining order against your ex in the past, bring any relevant criminal reports or documents supporting this. This information could assist your divorce lawyer when it comes time to work on your parenting plan.
• Text Messages, Social Media, and E-Mails. If you think you have any information from text messages, social media, or e-mails that might be useful to your case, bring these along to your initial consultation.
• Medical Records. If you spouse has a history of mental illness or has a history of serious and debilitating illness, this could impact your parenting plan. Bring any medical records you might have.