As a divorce lawyer, you want to give your clients as much support as possible. Going through a divorce can be a confusing and emotional time for them. Between custody, alimony, and more, your clients will depend on you for helping them make crucial decisions. Here are some ways you can help your client through the divorce process.
Help Gather Documents
Your client needs to present different documents based on their marriage with their soon-to-be former spouse. These could include documents related to income, shared bank accounts, or mutual insurance policies. You want to make sure that your client has unexpired documents to help them get what they’re entitled to in the divorce. You should also advise them to have both paper and electronic copies of these important documents, and to back up their digital files on a flash drive or other disk.
Schedule Meetings with Spouse
Going through the divorce process means that your client will also have to arrange meetings with their former spouse and their family attorney. These can be tense affairs, but you and the other lawyer can act as mediators. You should schedule these meetings as far in advance as possible. Take time to decide on the terms of each meeting and what behavior or comments will be unacceptable.
Decide on Custody
Custody can be one of the trickiest aspects of any divorce case. When children are added to the equation, people can get even more emotional in an already-tense situation. To help make custody matters easier to resolve, you should help your client develop a strong case. Should they be fine with shared custody, things can be much more manageable. However, a fight for sole custody can be trickier but still absolutely worth going after.
Provide Emotional Support
You’re a lawyer, not a therapist. However, you can certainly give your client plenty of emotional support. Even if they seem like they’re trying to hold in emotions, you can still check to make sure everything is okay with them. If they seem like they’re particularly upset, you might recommend they speak with a therapist or counselor.
Making it through the divorce process doesn’t happen the same way for everyone. Some clients will have a relatively easy experience, while others will need more time and guidance. Remember to be patient and to show your support for each of your clients. As they finalize their divorces, they’ll be grateful to know that you were there for them.
Author Info: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber.
