By now you probably realize that a divorce is not as simple as hiring a lawyer, signing the divorce papers, and moving on with your life. The proceedings can get messy, and if this is your first divorce, you will probably be hit with a few surprises and have a lot of questions. To make everything a little easier for everyone involved, here are a few things you should know.

Three Things Your Divorce Attorney Wish You Knew

• You aren’t helping him help you
  Keep in mind that your divorce attorney is your advocate and he can only do what is best for you if you give him enough material to work with. The best clients are those who come prepared. Divorce lawyers want you to know that they are not mind-readers or magicians. You need to provide them with the necessary documents to get the job done, including bank accounts, retirement accounts, credit card statements, etc.

 

• He is not your therapist
  If you get your bill at the end of the month and you are shocked by how high it is, consider the number of times you called your attorney to vent. Your lawyer will call you if he needs something to help your case. Most charge by the hour, so you may want to limit communication to only the most important questions and conversations pertaining to your legal needs.

 

• Couples with children are more likely to stay in an unhappy marriage
  The divorce process can be especially hard for the children involved, and parents know this. However, living with parents who are in an unhealthy relationship can often be worse. The parents of 1.5 million children divorce each year. Your divorce attorney wants you to know that in a divorce, a compromise must be reached and oftentimes that means sharing the parenting responsibilities with your former spouse.

Researchers estimate that in the U.S., 40 to 50% of all first marriages and 60% of second marriages will end in divorce. In fact, there is one divorce approximately every 36 seconds. That is nearly 2,400 divorces per day, 16,800 divorces per week and 876,000 divorces every year.

Divorce attorneys have seen and heard it all. Trust their advice and don't be afraid to ask questions. If you have any questions about working with a divorce lawyer, feel free to post in the comments section below.