Why You Need To Open Up & Be Honest With Your Divorce Attorney

The decision of divorcing your spouse can be a tough one, and one that leads to endless trauma and grief for both the parties involved. However, in the event that you finally make up your mind to let go of your meaningless marriage, it is best to stick with your decision and respect it. When you finally decide to move to the court for a legal battle with your spouse, the first step you take to initiate the process, is hire a divorce attorney. Next in line is the horror of having your entire life and its intricate details ripped apart in front of a bunch of strangers.

Why is it important for you to open up to your lawyer?

It seems like an altogether new issue, having to disclose the intricacies of your marital life with your divorce lawyer. However, have you ever thought about the repercussions of furnishing skewed and incomplete information about your marital history, to your lawyer, and holding back secrets from him?

The relationship between a client and their lawyer is often touted as similar to that of a doctor and a patient. There is absolutely no room for mistrust and hidden agendas when it comes to hiring a divorce attorney. The effects of withholding relevant information from your lawyer can be detrimental to the lawsuit proceeding, and even land you with an unfavorable settlement.

You need to keep in mind that a lawyer is your advocate, who is there to take sides with you when you are faced with accusations in a court of law. However, he is probably not a mind reader. He can work towards a settlement on your behalf only if you provide him all the necessary documents, and information required to make your defense.

The things you should never hide from your attorney

• Always furnish a detailed narrative of you marital life, including the intricacies of the current and past problems with your spouse, the level of intimacy, your children and your history together.
• Your divorce attorney commands detailed information regarding your financial aspects, such as your assets and liabilities including your bank accounts, real estate, pension funds, living expenses, debts, mortgages and the like.
• Apart from the above information, you also need to reveal your biographical information, such as your social security number, driver’s license details and the names and complete details of your spouse and children.

It is utmost essential to understand, that your situation is something that the attorney has already dealt with before, and does not take him by surprise at all. Also keep in mind, that there is absolutely no reason to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable in front of him, given the fact that he has handled hundreds of clients with issues similar to yours.

Getting divorced in California can be complicated.  Download our free eBook, 18 Important Things to Know About California Divorce to educate yourself on the process.  

Gerald A. Maggio is an experienced Orange County divorce and family law lawyer and family law attorney located in Irvine, California, serving the Orange County and Riverside areas. Mr. Maggio assists clients with legal issues including divorce, legal separation, divorce mediation, child custody, prenuptial agreements, stepparent adoptions, and other family law issues. Mr. Maggio has practiced law in California since 1999, and founded The Maggio Law Firm in 2005, focusing exclusively on divorce and family law matters.