Divorce attorneys aren’t therapists, so clients should remember that their attorneys should stay focused on legal matters during the process. Clients should also avoid venting to their attorneys.
Spouses should research attorneys by visiting their firm websites and reading blogs. They should consider the attorneys’ approach to divorce cases and their style and personality.
Experience
The best divorce lawyer to help you with your case should have extensive experience handling similar situations. In addition, your attorney should be able to guide you through the entire process easily and efficiently.
You can start your search for the right attorney by asking family members or colleagues for referrals. You can also narrow your search by searching online using keywords like “divorce lawyers” and the type of divorce you want.
Interviewing at least two or three attorneys before deciding is a good idea. Avoid hiring a lawyer with a slick, fancy website or who has spent much money on advertising. You should also avoid hiring your spouse’s attorney or sharing a lawyer with your spouse, as this is considered a conflict of interest and can have negative consequences for you.
Reputation
A divorce is a significant undertaking with the potential for emotional turbulence and dispute. Therefore, finding a lawyer with a good reputation in your community and with local judges is important.
Their level of experience and specialization can determine a lawyer’s reputation. It can also be based on their approach to divorce cases. For example, some attorneys may take an aggressive pitbull approach, while others prefer a collaborative style to resolve issues through mediation. A good way to evaluate a prospective divorce attorney is to interview them.
Many offer free consultations, but you can also budget for a paid meeting. During your interview, ask for testimonials and inquire about their previous successes. This will help you determine whether they are the right attorney for your case.
Fees
Whether you hire on an hourly or flat fee basis, make sure the attorney explains their fees and billing procedures thoroughly. To avoid surprises, find out the minimum phone and email charges.
Lastly, ask any potential attorney how they envision your case going. Some attorneys have a more adversarial approach, while others focus on working with the opposing party to resolve issues outside of court.
Choosing the right divorce attorney will help you navigate your divorce process more smoothly. To get started, schedule a consultation with a potential candidate. It can be helpful to bring a friend or family member with you to take notes and provide another perspective. Investing in a skilled and experienced attorney will save you more money than trying to save nickels with a less-prepared legal team.
Communication
Throughout divorce proceedings, spouses convey to their attorneys some of the most intimate aspects of their marriage. Attorneys must be able to relay this information effectively to build the strongest case possible on behalf of their clients. Spouses should evaluate an attorney’s ability to communicate during their initial meeting.
Spouses should note whether the attorney seems distracted or if they can answer questions quickly. If an attorney appears overwhelmed or unable to remain available to clients, spouses may be better off finding another candidate. During the consultation, spouses should also consider an attorney’s availability for future meetings and their stance on promptly returning phone calls or emails.
An effective divorce attorney will be able to respond quickly to any questions or concerns that their clients have to keep them apprised of the status of their case.
Personality
Divorce is one of the most stressful and emotionally risky experiences that people can experience. Because of this, spouses should hire an attorney they feel comfortable working with. A good way to determine this is by asking potential attorneys how they approach divorce cases.
Some may be more collaborative and aim to resolve conflicts through mediation or settlement outside of court. Others may take a more aggressive approach and be willing to fight for your rights in court. During the interview, you should pay attention to how the lawyer talks, listens to your questions and shows interest in the case.
This is a good indicator of his professionalism. A good divorce attorney should keep his cool under pressure, especially when things do not go as planned in the courtroom. He should also be empathetic to your situation.
