Getting Divorced in South Jersey? Make the Most of a Legal Consultation

When you have decided it’s time to end your marriage — or, if you spouse has made that decision for you — it’s imperative that you speak with a compassionate, knowledgeable family lawyer about your rights. Even if you and your soon-to-be-ex have amicable dealings, divorce has an uncanny way of turning the emotional tables on you when you least expect it.

You want to contact a divorce lawyer with significant experience, especially if you have high value assets or children. New Jersey family laws can be extremely complicated. Be prepared to be open and honest during your initial consultation. Everything you say will be confidential and you’ll only be able to decide if the prospective lawyer is the one for you if you give him a chance to react to the realities of your personal situation.

Ron Graziano is an esteemed family lawyer who always puts his clients first. For decades, he has helped countless clients in the Cherry Hill, NJ area who are going through divorce. When you contact him for a consultation, prepare to spend about an hour during your initial consultation. You will learn your rights and options from your attorney.

1. You should be prepared for the consultation. You need to make the most of the time you have. Yes, the information you will be discussing is very personal. You may not have ever discussed it with anyone else. For example, if there is an extramarital affair in the mix, that can feel embarrassing to discuss. But, if you want Mr. Graziano to protect you emotionally, legally and financially, you need to be upfront and honest. Rest assured, he will never judge you.
2. Speaking of emotions, it’s likely you are angry, sad, frustrated, embarrassed, etc. You may not be able to leave those emotions at the door but you should try to keep them under control. Again, divorce settlements are decided, in the end, on facts — not emotions. Since New Jersey is a no fault divorce state, that affair may have you seeing red. However, a judge is going to look at the facts and make decisions based on them. Try to keep your time with your family lawyer focused on the information that is going to make a difference in your case.
3. Know your worth — literally. Mr. Graziano needs to know about your assets and debts. Come to the initial meeting with this information. Assets include real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts. Then there are debts — mortgages, home equity loans, student loans, credit card debt, etc.
4. Mr. Graziano will be able to use the information you provide to discover potential challenging areas going forward. For example, if your spouse rang up debt gambling, Mr. Graziano needs to make sure you don’t get left footing the bill for those indiscretions.
5. Income or the lack of income is also a key piece of the puzzle. This is especially true when it comes to alimony and child support. Additionally, Mr. Graziano will be able to get an idea of whether or not you are prepared financially to litigate or if settling the case is in your best interests.
6. Important documents should be brought to the consultation with Mr. Graziano. If you have a prenuptial agreement, for example, that’s a key piece of the puzzle that needs to be known up front. Same goes with any court orders, such as restraining orders.

The road to divorce can be long and emotional. Prior proper planning is key. If you are prepared and organized with Mr. Graziano, you will be able to make the most of your consultation and you’ll immediately be able to feel represented and cared for by an experienced family lawyer who has your back every step of the way.

Contact Ronald Graziano of Graziano & Flynn today for a consultation about your family law issue.