If you have separated from your spouse and are contemplating divorce, you may have wondered if there are benefits to being the first to obtain the services of an attorney, thereby also being first to get your paperwork filed with the Court. Does this mean you are operating from a position of strength by being on the offense? Are there real legal benefits to being the party to initiate legal proceedings?
Collecting Your Information
A recent article in Forbes Magazine written by family law legal expert Jeff Landers states one of the biggest advantages to being first to file in a Family Court case is that it allows you more time to get all of your information collected, reviewed, organized, and prepared. You are able to meet with an attorney, determine the documentation that will be needed in your case, and begin making financial preparations for the inevitable split, such as opening up your own bank accounts and closing joint accounts. Having the extra time to get all of this done first, rather than being surprised by being served with pleadings and notice of a hearing can be a huge advantage.
Controlling the Narrative
It’s good advice for people in the public eye, when faced with adverse personal happenings or scandals, to get out ahead of the bad news telling the story on their own terms. Doing this allows such people to control the narrative and the direction of the story. The same advice and logic parallels the initiation of divorce proceedings. Though starting divorce proceedings is not attempting to control a scandal, it can still be beneficial to be the first spouse to be proactive in making statements to the Court about your marriage thereby laying out the reasons you wish to be divorced.
The initial pleadings filed with the Court to begin the case contain allegations as to the basis for the divorce. If drafted by an experienced family law attorney, this can be a good way to begin laying the foundation for the reasoning of the overall case that you intend to make. By being the first to file, your pleadings in many cases will likely be the first documents the Judge reads in your case and your attorney will be the first to make her presentation at most hearings. Getting your story on the record first and controlling how it is presented can potentially make a difference in how your case plays out.
If you are considering divorce, the first step is acquiring the services of an experienced family law attorney who will guide you through the process. Donna Wagnor has such experience and can help lighten your load in developing a strategy and employing a proactive case. Contact Donna’s office and schedule a consultation to discuss your separation and intent to divorce.
Real-life results
See what happy clients are saying about me.
“I spoke with several attorneys and from the moment I spoke with Donna I knew she was the person I wanted to hire for a child custody case.
From the very first interaction she was enthusiastic, friendly, and honest. She asked a lot of questions to get to know the case well. I was so impressed with how thorough and thoughtful she was throughout the entire process, explaining every step along the way.
Donna was great at staying in contact and kept me updated as everything progressed. She was affordable and very fair in her billing. If ever another situation is to arise in which I’m requiring legal assistance and representation she will be the first I call.
Due to Donna’s persistence I was able to come out ahead with more than I had ever hoped for when I first brought her my case. She helped me to see and understand things about my situation that would have never occurred to me on my own.
This woman has so much integrity! I’m so grateful for all of her help during a nerve wracking time. She was incredibly personable. I highly recommend Donna Wagner for your legal needs.
Best decision I ever made in the midst of a divorce, from someone who asked for the divorce, was to hire Donna Wagner. I was facing an attorney who was representing my spouse, thinking all I had to do was sign the papers. No, they were attempting to get money out of me. Keep in mind we didn’t have any kids. Anyhow, Donna came in and shut it all down. I was due in court in a week and she got that continued. After going back and forth with the opposing attorney, Donna was able to not only get them to settle the case without going to court but have everything ruled in my favor. I am finally divorced and can breathe easy. Thank you Donna Wagner!
Donna provided such expertise during my case with her. She was always responsive, knowledgeable and professional, while also being compassionate to my situation. I cannot recommend her enough!
I know for certain that If I am needing an attorney again in the future, I will be using Donna Wagner. There are so many great things to say about Donna. However, I believe what I appreciated most was how Donna handles special situations, and I assure you, my circumstances were just that! Donna was very thorough during my entire case. She was able to address my unique case but also do so with legal basis even though the courts may not always allow for such situations. Donna was very thorough each step of the way and was certain to not leave any stone un-turned. One thing I really liked about Donna was her fire. When situations arose, she can be more than passionate about her job and serving justice to those who deserve it. I also want Donna’s clients to know that she was very timely with me in her communications with me. Whether by email or phone, she was always just a call or a message away. When being in a legal situation, I know from previous experience, being able to reach your attorney means everything. I am more than pleased with the results that I recieved from Donna Wagner, and I assure you my case turned out better than I had imagined and even for a fair price. Donna Wagner rocks!
I know for certain that If I am needing an attorney again in the future, I will be using Donna Wagner. There are so many great things to say about Donna. However, I believe what I appreciated most was how Donna handles special situations, and I assure you, my circumstances were just that! Donna was very thorough during my entire case. She was able to address my unique case but also do so with legal basis even though the courts may not always allow for such situations. Donna was very thorough each step of the way and was certain to not leave any stone un-turned. One thing I really liked about Donna was her fire. When situations arose, she can be more than passionate about her job and serving justice to those who deserve it. I also want Donna’s clients to know that she was very timely with me in her communications with me. Whether by email or phone, she was always just a call or a message away. When being in a legal situation, I know from previous experience, being able to reach your attorney means everything. I am more than pleased with the results that I recieved from Donna Wagner, and I assure you my case turned out better than I had imagined and even for a fair price. Donna Wagner rocks!
I obtained Mrs. Donna Wagner’s services in 2012 to help with my charge of driving under the influence. I first called several other attorneys, but none of them were willing to listen to my case. Mrs. Wagner not only took the time to listen but went out of her way to be sensitive to my issues, respond quickly to my questions, and help me understand this unfamiliar process. It was clear to me from the beginning that she knew the system well and was very thorough in her exploration into my case. With her experience and knowledge of the Mt. Juiliet court system, combined with her adept use of the evidence at hand, she was able to get my charges significantly reduced. I could not be more happy with my choice of attorney. I am certain that I would not have had such a successful outcome without her guidance and skill.
