Though the overall United States divorce rate has dropped in recent years, if your marriage is ending it can be hard to take comfort in statistics. Even in the best circumstance, divorce is difficult and if you have a family it can be particularly challenging to manage.
A divorce brings with it a lot of uncertainty, but that shouldn’t be the case when you’re hiring a divorce law firm. You should feel confident that any attorney you hire is on your side, and is going to work hard to make sure your case goes smoothly.
It can be hard to know what to look for in a divorce attorney, especially since you are likely hiring one for the first time.
Below, we’ve rounded up five important things to keep in mind when choosing a divorce lawyer so you can find the right lawyer to help you navigate a difficult situation.
1. Consider A Lawyer’s Style
When you begin your search for a divorce law firm, one thing you want to look at is the style of the attorneys employed there. Different lawyers will take different approaches to handling a client’s divorce.
If you want to keep your divorce as amicable as possible and trust that your spouse wants the same, that could impact your choice of lawyer. You may want to look for someone is more cooperative and prioritizes friendly proceedings.
On the other hand, if you feel that your divorce may be more contentious, you want to trust that your lawyer will fight for you. You should consider a lawyer with a more commanding style, who will do whatever it takes to look after your best interests.
It can be difficult to get a sense of a lawyer’s style without seeing him or her in action, so be open and honest about what you’re looking for.
2. Choose a Lawyer You’re Comfortable With
Most divorce proceedings get personal, even if you and your soon-to-be-ex are working to keep things civil. There is no telling what private information will be revealed and nothing is off the table.
That can be difficult to come to terms with, but it’s important to embrace that reality before you begin your search for a divorce law firm. You need to work with people who you feel completely comfortable with. They will likely get to know some intimate details of your marriage.
Any lawyer who makes you feel judged is not the right lawyer for you. As a matter of representing you, your lawyer may have to ask you some personal questions, but you should never feel blind sighted.
You should always feel heard, and if you ever have any questions about why information is relevant, your lawyer should be able to explain the situation so you are comfortable going forward.
3. Know How to Spot Red Flags
Any time you meet with a lawyer what you discuss should be confidential, but when you’re going through a divorce, discretion is even more important. Especially if you live in a smaller community or neighborhood, you want to ensure your private business is being kept private.
A lawyer that talks to you about other clients or past cases will likely share the details of your case with others as well. If they don’t prioritize privacy, you shouldn’t trust them with something as delicate as your divorce.
During your time with a lawyer, he or she should also be providing you with undivided attention. Anyone who is constantly answering phone calls or getting distracted while you’re talking clearly doesn’t care enough to give you — or your case — the attention you deserve.
4. Approach Choosing a Lawyer Like an Interview
Getting a divorce is enough to put anyone in a vulnerable position, but when it comes to choosing a divorce law firm, you have all the power.
Consider that you are hiring a lawyer to work for you, and approach your initial meeting just as you would if you were interviewing a candidate for an open position at your office.
Come prepared with a list of questions that will give you some insight as to their past experience. What kind of custody arrangements have they secured for previous clients? Are they comfortably navigating tricky financial situations?
Pay close attention to their answers, but also consider the manner in which they respond to you because it can give you a good sense of their style.
If available, you should also take the time to read reviews and testimonials from past clients. Those can give you a good idea of what to expect if you do choose to become a client yourself.
5. Get the Services and Expertise You Need
No two marriages are the same, and no two divorces are either. What you need from a divorce law firm will depend greatly on your personal circumstances.
Before you hire a divorce lawyer, make sure you’re working with a firm that has a deep base of experts and can offer the services you need.
If you have children, for example, you want to work with a firm that has experience in child custody and support. If you’re dividing property, you’ll want to seek out a lawyer who has handled those matters before.
Ready to Select a Divorce Law Firm?
The results of your divorce and the agreement you and your spouse come to can impact the rest of your life.
So many lawyers will make promises and tell clients exactly what they want to hear, but they don’t necessarily have the experience and the knowledge to come through for their clients when it matters.
You need a lawyer who will support you and respect you throughout the divorce proceedings and also work tirelessly to ensure you get what you deserve in your divorce agreement.
No matter what the circumstances of your divorce or the nature of your relationship with your spouse, our firm has the expertise to skillfully handle your case and a proven track record of fighting for our clients’ best interests.
For more information or to schedule a meeting, please feel free to contact us at any time for an initial consultation.
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