1. What do I need to bring with me to my first appointment?

• At your first appointment you need to bring a list of questions you may have for the attorney, and your payment for the first hour session. You do not need to bring any documentation with you because we will send you home with worksheets to fill out regarding income, property division and parenting issues.

2. How long does it take to get divorced?

• The length of time it takes to get divorced can vary upon the cooperation of the parties and whether or not the divorce is contested or non-contested. Most non-contested divorces can be accomplished in a matter of three to four months.

3. Is mediation right for me?

• If you and your spouse can meet together with a neutral mediator and feel you can negotiate about finances and parenting responsibilities, mediation may be right for you. The mediator is there to help guide you through the process and answer any legal questions you may have.

4. Is collaborative family law right for me?

• If you and your spouse desire a non-adversarial divorce, but want your own attorney at each settlement meeting, collaborative law may be right for you. Each party hires a representative from a pool of collaborative law attorneys who helps negotiate a settlement that is fair and in the best interest of all parties.

5. What should I look for in an attorney?

• verify that the attorney is licensed in your state
• verify that the attorney practices in the county in which you reside
• verify that the attorney has experience in family law
• ask if the attorney works to obtain a fair settlement as quickly as possible
  

6. Are Missouri and Illinois no fault divorce states?

• Yes. Both Missouri and Illinois allow couples to move forward in a divorce without making either party prove that their spouse has committed marital misconduct or has behaved in a manner that would necessitate a dissolution of the marriage. Instead, the parties may allege “irreconcilable differences”, without blaming each other for the breakdown of the marriage.
  

Copyright 2007 Marta J. Papa, P.C.
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