you should ask about cost, about what you are entitled to by law. You need to discuss assets, who pays outstanding debts, if any, percentages of husbands retirement available to you, child support and, how long he thinks it will take to complete the divorce. I am sure he will have various questions as well.

In my divorce, she got x amount a month for child support, she paid off balance of the house and we split remaining debts 50/50. She got the truck a 1 car. I got one car, my guns and my Harley.

Also ask about any custody issues you and stbx might have - does one of you want to move away, what happens if he doesn't make child support payments? (I can see mine being a deadbeat). Make sure you know if you live in a 50/50 asset split state, or an equitable distribution state. Ask how many other people at the firm might be involved in your case. Ask how you can best maintain communication with the lawyer. Not sure how relevant this is, but is the lawyer familiar with the judges in the county in which you will file? (Mine is not, unfortunately). Does the firm assess a credit card usage fee (if that's how you think you will be paying). Tons of questions, specific to your own situation. Also, ask what the lawyer feels is a likely outcome for you. They may reserve judgement at this time, but it can't hurt to try to get a feeling for your case.

Be strong, write everything down, and review any gray areas when just about done with the consultation. These can be highly emotionally charged meetings, so make sure you know what was just said to you.

Thanks Pee-Wee and Jojored, I added those to my list

try to avoid lawyers if possible. If your spouse will agree try mediation..Of course it's not always possible . Both of you would have to agree to it

You could both save tons of money by doing mediation.

He said he would mail the papers and I sign them but then he said he had talked to lawyers. Why avoid the lawyers?

Gotcha Robert

Hi, I would also like to add to the above that you as the exact cost of the whole proceedings and also get an understanding of the time period for the divorce and custody proceedings to end, just so you can plan ahead for the period during the case - and also I suggest you ask your options available for divorce - it depends on the country resident - as in some agree on terms to divorce out side courts through a lawyer and finalize matters much sooner .

Perfect Realme, added it. Keep the questions coming

Rate per hour and if there are differences in the rate for court. I was able to get an estimate of what the lawyer thought the total cost would be as well based on what he heard of my situation.

Every time you call or email a lawyer it's probably gonna cost you $40. Instead of fighting about every little detail (which the lawyers love) compromise and work it out together through mediation.

You need a lawyer, period. Are there some bad ones out there...absolutely. However even if you did not use a lawyer to represent you, you need one to look over any agreement your STBX offers you to sign. Do not sign anything until a lawyer looks at it. This agreement is important, because it will affect the rest of your life.

There are some good websites to look up divorce on. Divorce360.com and Divorce.com

Mediation is fine, it's what I wanted to do, but with mediation both sides are to present the mediation agreement to their own separate lawyers for review. It's to make sure that each person's interests are legally protected. Don't skip out on an attorney. Also, do try to work out as much as you can outside of the courts.

I had a phone consult with a lawyer today and felt good about it. My first step. If my husband and I can agree on things it could cost me as little as 1500 but that's If he can be civil and smart.

Was this one mentioned - it's a biggie - what is the best method for keeping in touch? Text? Phone? Email? What times in the day/week can you communicate with them? Lawyers are notorious for not keeping in touch as often as their clients would like ;)