Should I Tell My Divorce Lawyer Everything?
Divorce is undoubtedly one of the most challenging experiences that a person can go through. It is filled with a wide array of difficult emotions and extremely personalized feelings, making it hard to share everything with another person. However, when going through a divorce, it is important to remember that hiring a lawyer means hiring someone who will be your legal advocate throughout the process.
While it may be challenging, it is important to share everything with your lawyer truthfully. Keeping information from them can be detrimental in the end and may cost you more than just money. Ultimately, honesty is key when working with a divorce lawyer, and they are there to help make the process as smooth and seamless as possible.
Benefits of Disclosing Everything to Your Lawyer
1. Your Lawyer Will Be Able to Represent You
Your divorce lawyer is there to represent you and help you pursue the best outcome possible. However, they can only do so if you disclose every important detail to them. It's important to remember that your attorney isn't there to judge you.
Important information to tell your divorce lawyer about can include:
- Mental health diagnosis
- Criminal records
- Hidden assets
- Sexual infidelity
- Drug addiction
- Alcohol addiction
- Physical abuse
- Mental abuse
If you don't tell your lawyer important details, it will only harm your case in the end. Being honest and transparent with your attorney will give them the tools they need to represent you as best they can. Without important details of your marriage, your lawyer will have insufficient or misleading evidence to work with. Ultimately, doing so will give you the best chance at a successful divorce.
2. Your Lawyer Can Defend You
Divorce can be a messy process, and sometimes damaging information can be revealed later on down the line. This is why it is crucial to share any potential issues with your lawyer early on in the case. By doing so, your lawyer will have the opportunity to properly prepare a defense for you.
For example, if you fail to disclose that you’ve had an affair in the marriage, having this brought up later by your spouse will leave your attorney unprepared to defend you. However, if you disclosed your affair to your lawyer towards the beginning of when you first began working with them, your lawyer can find the best-suited solution to create a defense for you.
Since our experienced lawyers have dealt with similar issues in the past, we will know how to frame them in a way that lessens the severity of the situation for you. Ultimately, being upfront and honest with your lawyer can make the entire divorce process smoother and less stressful.
3. What You Tell Your Attorney Is Confidential
When you hire an attorney, you can rest assured that your personal information is safe. Attorney-client privilege ensures that everything you say to your lawyer remains strictly confidential. This means that you can feel comfortable disclosing any information that pertains to your case, no matter how sensitive or embarrassing it may be.
Attorney-client privilege encourages open communication and ultimately allows your lawyer to effectively represent you without fear of judgment or disclosure. Remember, your lawyer is there to help you, and in order to do so, you must be able to share all the details of your case openly and honestly.
4. The More Information, the Better
It may not seem significant, but it's always better to overshare with your attorney during a divorce case. For example, if you took a trip to Canada with your best friend, you may not have felt it was important to share. However, if your ex alleges adultery during the vacation, you could find yourself in a complicated legal predicament.
If you are unsure whether the information is relevant to your divorce, it is best to share it rather than have it come up later to harm you. Your attorney can assess which information is relevant or not and create the best legal strategy for your case. After the divorce is settled, you can start a new chapter in your life. In the meantime, stay transparent and work together as a team to achieve the best outcome.
Contact Us If You’re Going Through a Divorce
If you're facing the difficult decision of divorce or have been served papers, know that you don't have to go through it alone. At the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano, Jr., LLC, our divorce attorneys understand that every divorce is unique and can cause a tremendous amount of stress.
That's why we strive to offer personal service and compassionate support to each of our clients. By working with our experienced divorce attorneys, you can ensure that your legal rights are protected and that we’ll pursue the best possible outcome for you and your family.
If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help you through this challenging time. Call (845) 605-4330 or contact us online today.