5 Things to Ask Your Arizona Divorce Lawyer
Meeting with an Arizona divorce lawyer for the first time can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re contemplating divorce, already in the divorce process, or exploring options like legal separation or divorce mediation, it’s crucial to ask the right questions. The answers you receive will help you understand your rights, your options, and how to make the best decisions for your family and your future.
At Brown Family Law AZ, our experienced divorce attorneys understand how stressful and emotional this time can be. We’ve guided countless clients through divorce in Arizona, helping them find clarity and confidence during one of life’s most challenging transitions. Before your initial consultation, it’s helpful to prepare a few key questions that will help you evaluate your family law attorney, set realistic expectations, and ensure you have the right legal representation by your side.
Here are the five most important things to ask your Arizona divorce lawyer—and why each one matters.
1. How Much Will My Divorce Cost?
One of the first questions most clients have for their divorce attorneys is about cost—and for good reason. The financial side of divorce proceedings can be stressful, especially when you’re already facing changes to your income, living situation, and child support or spousal support obligations.
A good divorce lawyer will be upfront about their fee structure, including hourly rates, court filing fees, and any additional costs that might arise. They should also explain how attorney’s fees are billed, whether through retainers or hourly billing, and what factors could influence the overall divorce cost.
In some family law cases, one spouse may be ordered to pay part or all of the other party’s attorney fees, especially if there’s a significant income disparity. Understanding this possibility can help you prepare for how spouse’s attorney fees might affect your budget and strategy.
Pro tip: Ask your lawyer to outline all potential expenses—including hidden costs such as forensic accountants, expert witnesses, or phone calls and document preparation—so you can plan accordingly.
2. How Long Will the Divorce Process Take?
Every divorce case is unique. Factors like the complexity of property division, child custody, and whether the divorce is contested or uncontested will affect how long your case takes.
An experienced divorce attorney can give you a general timeline based on similar divorce cases they’ve handled in Arizona. In most instances, a straightforward divorce proceeding can take several months, while more complex cases—especially those involving custody, domestic violence, or hidden assets—can take a year or longer.
The divorce process typically includes filing a petition, serving the other party, negotiating temporary orders, attending court appearances, and, if necessary, going to trial. Your attorney should explain each stage and help you prepare for what’s ahead.
At Brown Family Law AZ, our family law attorneys emphasize efficiency and communication. We’ll help you understand what to expect at every stage so you can make informed decisions and feel confident moving forward.
3. What Issues Should I Expect in My Divorce Case?
No two divorce cases are the same, but certain issues are common across most family law matters in Arizona. A qualified family law attorney will help you identify potential challenges early in your case so you can address them strategically.
Here are some topics to discuss with your divorce lawyer during your divorce consultation:
a. Property Division
Arizona is a community property state, which means all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are typically split equally between both spouses. Your divorce attorney can help you distinguish between community property and separate property, ensuring you receive a fair share of your marital assets. This includes the family home, investments, and retirement accounts.
b. Child Custody and Parenting Plans
If you have children, custody will be one of the most important aspects of your case. Ask your attorney how Arizona family law defines legal decision-making and parenting time, and how courts determine what’s in the child’s best interests. Your lawyer should explain how parenting plans work, whether joint custody is appropriate, and how to modify custody orders in the future if your circumstances change.
c. Child Support and Spousal Support
Discuss how child support is calculated under Arizona law, which factors into account each parent’s income, the number of children, and time spent with each parent. You should also ask about spousal support—sometimes called alimony—and whether you might qualify to receive or be required to pay it.
A skilled divorce lawyer will walk you through the formulas the court uses and how to request or challenge these payments when necessary.
d. Hidden Assets and Forensic Accountants
In some divorce cases, one spouse may try to conceal income, hidden assets, or tax returns. Your attorney should explain how their law firm investigates these issues, including whether they use forensic accountants or financial experts to uncover discrepancies.
Identifying hidden income or assets early can have a significant impact on your divorce proceeding and ensure an equitable settlement.
4. What Is Your Approach to Handling Divorce Cases?
Every law firm and divorce attorney has a different philosophy when it comes to resolving family law cases. Some focus on amicable divorces and settlement negotiation, while others take a more aggressive approach to litigation. The right attorney for you will depend on your goals, personality, and comfort level.
During your initial consultation, ask your family law attorney about their approach to divorce mediation, negotiation, and trial. Find out whether they encourage settlement or expect to go to court. Ask how they handle communication—will you work directly with your attorney, or with their paralegal team?
You should also inquire about their combined experience, how long they’ve been practicing law, and how many divorce cases they’ve handled similar to yours. An experienced divorce attorney will be able to share examples of how they’ve helped clients in situations like yours reach fair and favorable outcomes.
5. What Should I Do Right Now to Protect Myself?
One of the most valuable aspects of hiring a divorce lawyer early is receiving practical, specific advice about what to do—and what not to do—before your case progresses.
Here are a few common questions to ask your attorney at the start of your divorce case:
- Should I close joint bank accounts or credit cards?
- What if my spouse changes the locks or removes my name from utilities?
- How do I protect my child custody rights while the case is pending?
- Should I move out of the family home?
- How can I ensure temporary orders for spousal support or child support are in place quickly?
Your lawyer should provide a clear action plan to protect your finances, property, and relationship with your children. They can also advise you on what to avoid—such as posting about your divorce on social media or violating court orders.
At Brown Family Law AZ, we believe that taking early, informed steps can prevent costly mistakes and set you up for long-term success. From gathering legal documents to preparing for court appearances, our attorneys will help you start your case on the right foot.
Building a Strong Attorney-Client Relationship
Finding the right divorce lawyer isn’t just about credentials—it’s about trust. A strong attorney-client relationship is the foundation of every successful family law case.
Look for a lawyer who communicates clearly, listens carefully, and genuinely cares about your goals. Your family law firm should make you feel heard, respected, and confident that your legal needs are their top priority.
Remember, your divorce attorney is not only your advocate but also your guide through the divorce process. The more open and honest you are about your concerns, the better they can help you achieve the results you deserve.
Take the Next Step with Brown Family Law AZ
The divorce process can be emotional and complex, but with the right family law attorney, you don’t have to go through it alone. At Brown Family Law AZ, our experienced divorce attorneys are committed to providing compassionate, results-driven legal representation for individuals and families across Arizona.
We handle all aspects of divorce law—including child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division—with precision, care, and dedication. Our law firm offers personalized guidance, honest advice, and a proactive strategy designed to protect your rights and help you move forward confidently.
Call Brown Family Law AZ today at (480) 882-0767 to schedule your divorce consultation.
Let our experienced divorce attorneys help you find peace, security, and the best path forward for you and your family.
