According to World Population Review, the average age for first-time divorcees is 30 years old. The process of getting a divorce can take a very long time for many people. If you think that your relationship is going to end in divorce, it is crucial to know when to meet with a  divorce attorney  as it will be helpful to choose the best counsel for your case.

When You Have Been Thinking About Getting a Divorce

If you are the one who wants to start the divorce proceedings, you should talk to a divorce attorney before commencing communication with your spouse. During the first session that you have with your attorney, he or she will be able to provide you with guidance regarding any actions that you ought to do prior to alerting the spouse of your intention to divorce.

For instance, you could be given the recommendation to create copies of financial records, photograph particular pieces of property, or start setting aside a predetermined amount of money in a separate account. You will no longer have the element of surprise if your spouse is aware of your intentions to divorce once you tell them. If you consult with an attorney prior to finalizing your divorce, you may be able to turn that factor to your benefit.

When Your Spouse Has Been Thinking About Getting a Divorce

It is likely that you will need to play catch-up if you were not the one who initially filed for divorce. In the event that your spouse has already retained legal representation and submitted the necessary documents, you should get in touch with a lawyer as soon as you possibly can. It is possible that your spouse has already completed an inventory of the couple's assets, obligations, and personal property; nonetheless, you will need to do the same as soon as possible.

In addition, if you are served with a petition for divorce, you have a limited period of time to file a response to the petition, which is typically somewhere around 20 days. It will take some time for your attorney to get comfortable enough with the details of your case to submit a response or a request for more time. If you hire an attorney as soon as you are presented with the divorce papers, you will be able to avoid having your case drag on for longer than it has to be.

No matter who initiates the divorce proceedings, having legal representation may assist in adequately preparing both parties for the period of time that must pass before the divorce is completed. This may involve drafting interim restraining orders that prohibit both parties from spending joint finances or drafting temporary parenting plans that specify where children will spend their time.

Whether you are getting ready for a divorce in the future or you were blindsided by an unexpected divorce filing, hire a divorce attorney today at Pratt and Wall.