Looking for a divorce attorney?
When finding a divorce attorney, you have to make sure that you find the right one to avoid future issues. Dealing with divorce will have logistical as well as emotional challenges.
This will be especially true if there are children involved. A divorce or dissolution of marriage, no matter the reason, will affect your kids. While there’s no way around this, being open and communicative with them can help them cope.
This means you should be available to attend to these matters when necessary. The right lawyer will have your best interest in mind and help ease the hassle of going through the divorce. They can guide you through the process and help make it a little smoother.
Read on because here are five tips to help you choose the right divorce lawyer.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
1. Decide What Divorce Process You Need
Deciding what divorce type you want to pursue is one of the first things you should do.
Consider how the divorce will pan out. Will there be plenty of conflicts? Will it be generally cooperative? Or do you need some help to resolve everything?
How the divorce pans out will somewhat depend on the amount of conflict in the divorce process. Cases involving high conflict couples can take years to resolve. Going to court might be necessary to get a final decision.
Meanwhile, couples that have an ample degree of cooperation can have a better experience. They’ll be able to pursue alternative dispute resolutions. These include mediation, collaborative divorce, or uncontested divorce.
These options can be more cost-effective and even faster, unlike high-conflict divorce cases. Knowing the likely circumstances of your divorce beforehand is crucial in choosing the right lawyer.
If your case has no conflict, then hire a lawyer who’s good at facilitating cooperation. However, if there is, then you might want a lawyer that’s more aggressive.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”li-full”]
2. Consider Your Divorce Attorney’s Expertise
The different areas of law will have their own set of rules and regulations. If you’re getting a divorce, hire a lawyer that specializes in family law and divorce. This ensures that they’ll know exactly what they need to do to help you.
When you talk to a prospective lawyer, ask some questions to gauge their expertise:
- Do they specialize in divorce cases, or is it part of their general practice?
- If they’re a divorce law specialist, do they have certification?
- How many divorce cases have they handled?
- How long have they been practicing in the field of family law?
You can then decide based on their responses. A divorce attorney’s expertise and experience may play a role in handling certain issues.
For example, in issues of equal property division, several factors need consideration. One such factor is which spouse will have primary custody of the children. If there are children involved, hiring a lawyer who’s only worked with childless couples isn’t the best option.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
3. Seek Recommendations and Look Up Reviews
Time to do your homework by asking for recommendations and searching online.
Talk to family and friends who’ve had experience with lawyers in the area. If you have a friend or family member who’s had a divorce, consult with them about their experience. Ask them about the family law firm they hired and if they would hire them again.
It would also be good to ask them about the divorce lawyer they were up against. The other party’s attorney might turn out to be a better option for you.
With the internet, it’s now much easier to look up lawyers without needing a personal consultation. Google lawyers in your area, and you can usually find what you need to know about them.
This includes the field they practice in and how long they’ve been practicing. You can also see how long they’ve been in the area and their firm’s resources and associates.
If you don’t know anyone in your area who’s had experience with lawyers, you can turn to internet reviews. Search for both positive and negative reviews online. Be cautious of testimonials on their own website since these are likely filtered.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
4. Try Free No-Commitment Consultations
While you might be able to find a lot about a lawyer online, consultations can still tell you more. Many divorce lawyers offer an initial consultation for free.
You can take advantage of a free consultation to find out what the lawyer can bring to your case. You can also gauge and decide if you can work well together. During the consultation, see if you’re able to build some rapport and if you can trust your divorce lawyer.
In the initial consultation, lawyers usually sketch out your options without going into the details. When you present your case, the lawyer will tell you about how they’ll manage your case.
If a divorce attorney you’re eyeing offers a free consultation, take the opportunity. It can give you a better idea than only researching online. You’ll be able to see what kind of person they are and if they’re a good fit for you and your family.
If you feel uneasy about a lawyer in the initial consultation, then they’re likely not for you. Likewise, the same may apply if you have disagreeing positions and views.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
5. Beware of Red Flags
Speaking of uneasiness and disagreements, you should keep an eye out for red flags. Is the lawyer distracted, or do you feel rushed? The best divorce lawyers will treat your case as a priority and listen to you.
If you feel like the lawyer doesn’t have your best interest in mind, it’s better to move on. Other red flags might include making big promises. This is because no one can guarantee the exact outcome of such cases.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Find a Divorce Attorney Now
Getting a divorce involves a lot of challenges. Choosing the right divorce attorney can help make the process easier for you and your family. They can give you proper guidance and look after your interests.
Research on your lawyers and assess if they’re the best fit for your case. You need to know if they have the expertise and experience to help you.
If you’re looking for a lawyer, SSM Law Group can help. Contact us today to speak with us about your situation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
