Advantages Of Being The First To Meet With A Divorce Lawyer Fort Worth | wwLawman

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Advantages of Being The First To Meet With A
Divorce Lawyer

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If you have reached a point in your marriage
where divorce may be on the horizon, its
important to acquaint yourself with the possible
advantages of being the first to file.

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You Will Be Prepared
Divorce proceedings can be complicated. Depending
on the marriage, there could be multiple assets,
custody issues, and varying special
considerations. Filing first gives you the
ability to get your affairs in order. You will
have the advantage of meeting with qualified
legal counsel, who can begin explaining the
process and helping you gather required
documents.
You Will Have Easier Access To Required Documents
Unfortunately, its not uncommon for a spouse to
hide, or try to prevent access to, documents
that you need for your case. For example,
your Divorce Lawyer in Fort Worth may require
tax returns, insurance policies, bank
statements, wills, trusts, brokerage statements,
real estate documents, etc.  Filing first may
help you gain access to these records that a
slighted spouse may try to control later in the
divorce proceedings.

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You Can Choose Your Divorce Lawyer
Once you establish a professional relationship
with a divorce lawyer, and exchange privileged
information, your spouse will be unable to use
them, and vice versa.  Filing first ensures you
can choose the lawyer thats best for your
situation, and also ensures that your
spouse cant use them. If you wait too long and
your spouse files first, they may meet with the
lawyer you wanted.  They dont have to leave as
a client, either.  All it takes is them having
one appointment to lock in attorney-client
privilege, and then you cannot legally use them
for your own counsel.

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You Can Choose Your Jurisdiction
Divorce proceedings can vary greatly depending on
the county in which the documents were filed. 
Everything from child custody to alimony will be
affectedby the area in which your divorce will
be adjudicated. If you and your spouse are
already separated, and living in different
jurisdictions, you may want to check up on what
will be affected by filing in your jurisdiction
vs. theirs. Speak with a divorce lawyer in each
area to better acquaint yourself with the
advantages of each.

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You Can Set Aside Your Own Finances
If you and your spouse share your finances, then
it would be wise to open a bank account in your
own name, and begin saving for yourself.  Even
if your spouse handles the finances fairly, a
divorce may make it hard to get approved for
loans, credit cards, etc. You may want to apply
for your own personal credit card before your
spouse is aware of the divorce proceedings. This
way, you can ensure you have an emergency backup,
and at the very leastit helps you begin creating
your own financial life.

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You Can Get Emotionally Prepared
Divorce proceedings can be emotional and
traumatic, especially if there are children
involved.  When you file first, you dont have to
worry about the emotional shock of your spouse
springing divorce papers on you. Take advantage
of this time by seeking out a good therapist. 
The more supported you are during this time, the
better. Proper support can help you feel more
secure, less emotionally drained, and better
prepared to handle the proceedings.

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There Are Downsides, Too
Filing first should not be a competition with
your spouse. While there are advantages, there
may also be some negative repercussions. You
might have to be the first to present your case
at trial. This may seem like an advantage, but
be careful. Youve already laid the groundwork
for a strategic, well-planned case. Presenting
first will expose your strategy, and could give
your spouse some leverage. Filing for divorce
should also never be a rash decision. Dont be
so quick to be the winner by filing first,
that you rush into a decision that you cant
take back. Overall, if you feel your marriage may
be leading towards divorce, your first step
should be to find a good Divorce Lawyers. Explore
your options and responsibilities. You will be
better prepared to take the next step, if you
choose to do so.

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Contact a Board Certified Divorce Attorney like,
V Wayne Ward
Ready to take the first step, and meet with a
qualified Divorce Lawyer in Fort worth,
Texas? Contact a Board Certified Divorce
Attorney like, V Wayne Ward, and he can take
that first step for you.

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