How to Make Your Pennsylvania Divorce Easier for Yourself and for Your Divorce Attorney

By Sheryl Rentz on January 4, 2011

A recent article in The Sun Herald discusses several useful tips to help make the divorce process easier for both a divorce lawyer as well as the individual seeking a divorce. The article notes that after hiring an attorney, you shouldn’t just sit back and relax – there are some things you can do to help your lawyer, which is to the benefit of both of you.

First, you should tell your attorney the truth. They need to know the good facts as well as the bad ones. But rest easy – under attorney/client privilege, you can disclose all aspects of your marriage without any fear of the details being leaked. If your lawyer knows all the facts surrounding your marriage, it will prevent them from being blindsided in the middle of a court hearing, which you should try to prevent at all costs. You may want to write a very brief summary of the facts of your case to give to your lawyer.

Second, if you need help, get it. If you are finding your divorce is having a serious impact on your health, or you aren’t able to handle it as well as you thought you would, find a good counselor who specializes in divorce recovery. Your attorney needs you to focus as best you can on your case.

Third, you should listen to your lawyer. Let them do their job – that’s why you’re paying them. Going through a divorce can be very emotional, and it’s likely you’re not thinking straight. Your attorney knows what you need to do, and it is important for you to listen and follow their advice. That said, if your lawyer is advising you on a course of action you don’t understand, ask them to explain it—you shouldn’t follow them blindly.

Lastly, help with your lawyer’s workload, which can make the divorce process smoother. Gather the necessary documents, such as an inventory of your marital assets, make copies, and organize them well ahead of the due date. This can help your attorney and their paralegal save a lot of time than if you had given them a pile of mixed up papers that would require them to sort through.

Helping your attorney will only help you through what can be an extremely difficult time in your life. At The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, our Pennsylvania divorce lawyers can provide the legal assistance you require during your divorce and answer any questions you may have about the process. Call 610-645-0100 to schedule a free consultation today.