Finding the right divorce lawyer for your divorce is more than just blindly pointing your finger at the first family law advertisement you see in the yellow pages. If you have a lot to lose, common sense tells that it is necessary to pick a divorce lawyer who has experience and reputation of settling intricate cases that involve assets, property, custody, etc.
Selecting a divorce lawyer to handle your case can be one of the most important decisions when considering a divorce. The stress that divorce battles bring to parents can be truly remarkable. Your divorce lawyer will either add to your frustration or ease the pain. Here are a few tips to consider when looking for a divorce lawyer.
Fees - Lawyers charge a lot, don't they? Yes, they go to a very lengthy and a difficult schooling, which at the end is worth a lot. Many people try to hire divorce lawyers that charge less for their services. On the total opposite, some people with a sizeable income would hire expensive or renowned lawyers. The assumption here is that high-priced lawyers can do a better job representing your case. This claim has never been verified. For example, a costly lawyer may have few wins in court, whereas a somewhat new divorce lawyer may have an excellent winning track record. So, during your initial consultation with your prospective divorce lawyer it is vital that you have an open and an honest discussion about the fees and what you can expect. But, the fees need not to be the determining factor in the final decision of who would represent your case.
Experience and expertise - Experience is one very important factor in choosing your divorce lawyer. Additionally, it's necessary for that lawyer to practice primarily in the field of divorce law. In some cases, people will hire a lawyer who practices outside this field, thinking that any lawyer will do. An experienced divorce lawyer will know the tendencies of the various judges in your jurisdiction and will be able to use this knowledge to your advantage.
Testimonials - One of the best ways to determine which divorce lawyer would be good for your divorce is to learn what former clients have to say about a particular lawyer. Don't be afraid to ask around. If you do not know of anyone who has been a client of that particular divorce lawyer, at your initial appointment don't be shy to ask your prospective lawyer for a list of past clients. While client confidentiality is very important, any "good" and experienced divorce lawyer would not be hiding anything and would have at least a few satisfied former clients who would be willing to vouch for him or her.
Accessibility and the "Likeable" element - It is extremely important that your divorce lawyer is easily accessible and prompt in responding to your phone calls, emails, and requests. Or, you're going to get nothing but frustration. While you would care to ask for the lawyer's office policy, don't forget to ask the lawyer's past clients if that particular lawyer was responsible enough to maintain an easy system of communication. And last but not least, do YOU personally like that particular divorce attorney? Do you feel comfortable talking to that lawyer, and are you confident in his or her abilities? If the answer is anything other than a definite "yes," you need to keep looking. Your case is too important to entrust to someone who does not inspire your confidence. If you don't like that particular lawyer for some reason and don't feel comfortable talking to him or her, there might be other people (like the judges) that may not like that person for the same reason that you do, which may cause you to lose the case.
Disclaimer: The author and publisher of this article have done their best to give you useful, informative and accurate information. This article does not represent nor replace the legal advice you need to get from a lawyer, or other professional if the content of the article involves an issue you are facing. Laws vary from state-to-state and change from time-to-time. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions about the issues described in this article. Thank you. |
