Divorce Basics Attorney in Nashville, Tennessee

What is discovery in a family law case?

More In This Category

View Transcript

Discovery can be a daunting process for clients, Anne acknowledges, having found it intimidating herself as a divorce lawyer. Essentially, Discovery involves gathering extensive information about a client’s financial situation, health, and other relevant details to share with the opposing spouse’s attorney. This process ensures both sides have a comprehensive understanding of the case, including assets like cars, houses, and bank accounts, as well as personal matters such as social media interactions or extramarital relationships.

Anne explains that Discovery can be costly and emotionally challenging for clients, as it often involves revealing personal information. Once the written Discovery phase is completed, the process may progress to depositions, where attorneys question clients about their disclosed information. While this phase can also be uncomfortable, Anne advises clients to be completely truthful in their responses during Discovery. This honesty fosters trust and transparency, facilitating smoother negotiations over financial settlements and parenting plans.

By maintaining openness and honesty early in the Discovery process, Anne believes parties can avoid prolonged litigation focused on fault and contentious issues. Instead, they can focus on reaching fair and practical resolutions that benefit everyone involved, including children if applicable.

Nashville, TN family law attorney Anne Hamer talks about discovery in a family law case. Discovery can be a challenging process for clients, Anne acknowledges, drawing from her own experience as a divorce lawyer. It involves gathering extensive information about a client’s financial status, health, and other pertinent details to share with the opposing spouse’s attorney. This thorough exploration ensures that both sides gain a comprehensive understanding of the case, covering assets such as cars, houses, bank accounts, and personal matters like social media interactions or extramarital relationships.

Anne highlights that Discovery can be both costly and emotionally taxing for clients, given the need to disclose personal information. After the initial written Discovery phase, the process may advance to depositions, where attorneys question clients about the information provided. While potentially uncomfortable, Anne advises clients to maintain complete honesty during Discovery. This approach builds trust and transparency, facilitating smoother negotiations regarding financial settlements and parenting plans.

Emphasizing the importance of openness early in the Discovery process, Anne believes it helps parties avoid prolonged litigation focused on fault and contentious issues. Instead, it enables them to work towards fair and practical resolutions that benefit all parties involved, particularly any children affected by the divorce.

More Videos From This Lawyer