What Information Should I Tell My New Jersey Divorce Attorney?

woman meeting with her divorce attorney

In some instances, like a contentious divorce, it may seem okay to omit information or change your story to benefit you. However, this is far from the truth, and as the old saying goes, “honesty is the best policy!” Doing what you can to keep a calm, clear head is essential, as letting your emotions get the best of you can have negative impacts on the outcome of your divorce. If divorce is on the horizon, you’ll want to ensure you are fully honest with your Bergen County divorce attorneys. Keep reading to learn the information you’ll want to disclose to your divorce attorney and why it’s imperative to be truthful.

What Should I Discuss With My Divorce Attorney?

There are many things you should discuss with your attorney when divorce is on the horizon. The most important thing you should be upfront about is whether or not you actually want a divorce. Many spouses use retaining a divorce attorney as a method to scare their partner into making the necessary effort to stay together. If this is the case, your lawyer can help you explore alternative options.

Another factor you should discuss with an attorney is whether or not you have hidden assets. Odds are this will come to light when it’s too late for your attorney to remedy the situation. As a result, you may receive an unfavorable outcome because you were hiding assets from your spouse.

Though it can be uncomfortable, if you did anything to hurt your spouse, you must tell your attorney. Whether you cheated or had a secret addiction, odds are your attorney has seen and dealt with worse. Even so, your attorney is not getting paid to judge you – they are there to help. Informing them of any evidence your spouse may bring up can help your attorney prepare.

Finally, if you or your spouse are not American citizens, it’s vital to share this information. Unfortunately, this can impact the outcome of your divorce, so doing what you can to mitigate the damage is crucial.

Why Is It Important to Be Honest With My Attorney?

For many, a divorce can cause a number of trust issues. Unfortunately, this trust can transcend relationships, meaning you may be hesitant and secretive with your attorney. However, it’s vital to understand that you and your attorney are on the same page. They are there to help you achieve the best outcome during your divorce, so being honest about the aforementioned issues is critical. It’s also essential to note that your attorney is bound by confidentiality, so you can trust them with your secrets.

When you are ready to leave your spouse, ensuring you are honest and do not keep secrets from your attorney is vital. At Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, our dedicated legal team will do everything possible to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your unique circumstances. Contact us today to connect with a compassionate and competent lawyer to discuss the details of your divorce.

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