20 Secrets Only Divorce Attorneys Know

1. 1. A great attorney is not determined by how much they charge on an hourly basis.
   2. Aggressive lawyers will drag you into a costly trial unnecessarily.
   3. An honest attorney will never guarantee a certain outcome.
   4. Attorney’s fees are negotiable. This is the first thing you should try to negotiate in a divorce.

Related: What you should and shouldn’t do during a divorce

1. 1. If a divorce lawyer offers a free consultation, use it.
   2. You can ask the Court to make your spouse pay for your attorney’s fees, but only if your income is substantially less than your spouse’s.
   3. Settling is always better than going to trial because trials are expensive, and the outcome is a complete gamble.
   4. Involving your kids in the divorce in an attempt to gain an advantage the Court will not end well for you.
   5. Hiding your assets will get you into legal trouble and cost you your case.
   6. Mediation can lessen the cost of your divorce substantially.
   7. Being organized with your financial documents before filing for divorce will become key during the trial.

Related: How To Find The Best Divorce Attorney

1. 1. Compromising can save you a lot of headache and money if it is fair and reasonable.
   2. Trying to win everything in a divorce will likely end up hurting you more than helping you.
   3. Divorce lawyers can tell when couples are acting emotionally. And they will tell you to cut it out.
   4. Don’t forget about how your tax filings are going to change. Tell your accountant you are getting divorced.

Related: 30 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Divorce Lawyer

1. You should tell your lawyer everything. You have attorney-client privilege, which requires confidentiality between you and your attorney.
2. In a custody battle, the Court will do whatever is in the child’s best interests, not you or your spouse’s interest.
3. You don’t need to speak with your lawyer every day, or even every week.
4. Your appearance in front of the judge matters. Make sure you look presentable.
5. Avoid filing for a fault-based divorce. It will simply cost too much because you will have to go to trial and prove your spouse cheated, has a felony conviction, acted in a cruel manner or deserted you. Though you may feel hurt, opting for a no-fault divorce will conclude the case much faster, save you money and save you from the stress of litigation.