What To Look For in a Divorce Attorney

Going through a divorce can cause anxiety and heightened emotional responses. No matter how amicable the separation, you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse still need to deal with tough topics. During a divorce, you have to make difficult decisions that will affect the rest of your life.

Many people find it helpful to go through this legal process with an experienced family law attorney. Divorce laws are different in every state, so it is important to talk to a divorce attorney in your area who understands the local divorce process. Contact a local divorce lawyer and start building your new life.

Important Factors To Consider for Legal Representation

There are numerous choices when you start looking for legal services. Websites, phone book listings, and even billboards offer local lawyers available to handle your case. However, not all family lawyers are equal. Make sure you find the right divorce law firm to handle your case.

During a divorce, you have important decisions to make when splitting up. In a divorce, you have to decide:

• Child custody
• Property division
• Child support
• Alimony/spousal support
• Pet custody

Why Experience Matters in Divorce Cases

You want an experienced divorce lawyer who understands the specifics of your divorce case. Any attorney licensed in your state can technically represent you. However, you probably don’t want a lawyer who primarily practices criminal defense or personal injury. The right lawyer understands the issues around divorce.

Find someone with experience handling cases similar to yours. Each practice area is different, with different judges, court rules, and legal options available. You want an attorney with extensive experience with local divorce and child custody laws. An experienced attorney can give you legal advice that is specific to your case.

Local Attorney Familiarity with Divorce Courts

You will want a family law attorney familiar with the local court system and local family law judges who might be hearing your divorce case. Family law judges have their own personalities and different approaches to cases. A competent divorce lawyer can take a calculated approach before a specific judge. Understanding the local courts can go a long way to avoiding an expensive divorce.

Efficiency and Support in a Divorce

The ideal legal team should have a track record of guiding their clients through divorce proceedings efficiently, maximizing results, and minimizing costs. This should continue through the entire legal process. Going through an entire divorce can be expensive. Make sure your prospective lawyer understands your needs and expectations.

Communication About Your Divorce Case

You should look for a potential lawyer who promptly returns calls/emails and keeps you informed. Most people going through a divorce have never gone through one before. The legal process is confusing at times. Family law issues may also take longer than you expect, with delays from the court, opposing counsel, or your own scheduling conflicts. Find out a lawyer’s approach to communication before making any decisions.

A divorce law firm may be made up of a team with a senior lawyer, associate attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and administrative staff. Anticipate communicating with multiple members of the team and understanding who is in charge of your case. Ask about your points of contact to get a clear response to your important questions.

Where To Look for a Good Divorce Lawyer

You do not have to hire the first lawyer you call unless you think they are the right fit for you. You should consider the initial lawyer consultation like a two-way interview. The attorney you are meeting with can decide whether to take your case. You also need to make sure the lawyer is the right one for you and your case.

Referrals from friends or family members can be a good place to start when looking for a divorce attorney. But the right attorney for them may not be the right fit for you and your unique situation. You can also get a referral from the local bar association.

You can also use legal resource websites like LawInfo to help you find licensed attorneys in your area. With the LawInfo search directory, you can search for an attorney by practice area and find a divorce lawyer in your area.

Find a Lawyer To Match Their Strengths to Your Needs

Choose your attorney by matching their strengths to your most pressing needs. You want a lawyer who focuses on the issues that are most important to you. There are many approaches to divorce cases. Make sure you have a good understanding of the attorney’s approach to divorce cases.

Maybe you and your soon-to-be ex are working together toward an amicable and collaborative divorce. If so, maintaining a positive relationship with your child’s other parent would be ideal. Find an attorney with experience in a collaborative approach to divorce.

Ask About Attorney Fees

A high-priced lawyer is not necessarily better for your case. Being able to afford the legal services provided by your divorce attorney is essential. Find a lawyer who charges what you can afford and is transparent about costs and fees.

Make sure to ask about the billing structure. Some attorneys charge a flat fee, and others have an hourly rate for each person who handles your case. The hourly rate can depend on who is working on your case, including lead attorneys, associates, and paralegals. Ask about retainer fees expected upfront and where those fees go.

In some cases, spending money on the right attorney may cost you less in the long run. The right experienced attorney is more effective and efficient in resolving your case. The attorney you choose is especially important in complex contested divorces.

Red Flags for Potential Attorneys

Watch for signs that the family law firm is not right for you. During the initial consultation, potential red flags include:

• Lack of experience
• Not listening to your concerns
• Does not return your call
• Makes unrealistic promises

Contact a Divorce Lawyer for a Consultation

Whichever attorney you decide to hire is ultimately up to you. Research your options and know what you are looking for and what you can afford. Prepare yourself before beginning your divorce attorney search to help you find the right one. Find a local divorce lawyer who can provide strong legal advice and help you through your divorce proceedings.