Frequently Asked Questions

Divorce Process

1. How can I make the divorce process move faster?
2. How can I lower the overall costs of my divorce?
3. How is “collaborative law” different from mediation or traditional settlements?
4. I would like my divorce to go smoothly, what advice can you give me?
5. Can I prevent my spouse from obtaining a divorce?

Working with a Family Lawyer

1. What traits should I look for when choosing a divorce lawyer?
2. My spouse and I were considering having one lawyer represent both of us to save time and money. Is this a good idea?
3. Do I have to tell my lawyer everything – even details I consider private?
4. How can I keep my legal costs down during my divorce?
5. What if I don’t agree with my lawyer’s bill? Can I have it lowered?
6. I have a question about my divorce case, but my lawyer’s out of town. Can I ask my spouse’s lawyer?

Financial Issues

1. What if I want to leave the marital home? Can I do so without hurting my divorce case?
2. In common law, are you entitled to the same as if you were married?

Children’s Issues

1. How does the court decide custody and visitation? What can I do to improve my chances of getting custody?
2. How can I increase my chances of getting full custody of my boys?

Collaborative Family Law

1. Why can’t you go to court if I need to? Why should I retain you as a CFL lawyer when I can retain a lawyer to do the whole job?
2. I’m interested in CFL, but my spouse and I aren’t talking and I’m worried he won’t listen to me. Is CFL for us?
3. How do the costs of CFL compare with mediation or court?
4. My lawyer says he settles most of his cases anyways. How is collaborative law different from settling a traditional case?
5. How do I know if CFL is for me?
6. How do I know my spouse will be honest and won’t hide information?
7. What if we settle everything but one issue in CFL – do we have to lose our lawyers to go to court?
8. Which is more appropriate for us – mediation or CFL?