You understand the importance of a good relationship. That is why you got married and it's why you are now getting divorced and in need of a lawyer you can trust. How do you find the right divorce attorney?
The general answer is by choosing carefully. We'll get into specifics below.
Choosing Carefully
- Get recommendations: Everyone probably knows someone who has gotten a divorce. Talk to the person or people about the lawyer that they used and how they chose them. Ask friends and acquaintances familiar with divorce to suggest some attorneys you might meet and those to avoid, and for advice on what to expect.
- Prioritize: Before you meet with anyone, make a list of issues that concern you. What do you expect the divorce to address, what are you flexible about, what are possible bones of contention in the future? By having an independent sense of your priorities you will not be swayed too easily. Trust your attorney but know yourself.
- Style matters: Many attorneys advertise that they are aggressive or that they will fight for you, which is good in some situations. But the truth is that resolution of legal matters requires much diplomacy, tenacity, and negotiation. When you meet with a lawyer, keep this in mind and try to find yourself a lawyer who seems reasonable, diligent, determined, articulate, and organized. As for the attorney's personal style, you decide what works for you and who to choose, of course, but keep in mind that in divorce, no one wins. The only gain is minimizing pain and a protracted battle may cost more than you can afford emotionally and psychologically.
- Experience: Sometimes a veteran attorney is not better than a new one. It really depends on the individual. Lawyers, like other professionals, fall into routines, ruts, and habits. They may not approach cases as creatively as someone new to the profession, meaning they miss opportunities. The flip side of this is, of course, that an experienced attorney will be familiar with court processes and personalities. Do not judge an attorney by the number of years of practice alone.
- Take your time: You may feel that you would like to just get an attorney and get this divorce over with as soon as possible without too much chit chat. The problem with that is you risk missing out on the right representation for you. Do consult with multiple attorneys so that you can get a feel for the different communication styles they have, their offices, and their fees. The cost of representation is not at all the only consideration to keep in mind. You need to be able to exchange easily with your divorce attorney about personal matters. .
Consulting With Counsel
Conversing with a few different lawyers will give you an idea of the range of styles that lawyers can have. Many divorce attorneys consult for free or a minimal fee and will be happy to talk to you about your situation. Get guidance.
Related Resources:
- Browse Family Law Lawyers by Location (FindLaw Directory)
- Divorce Information by State (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)
- Divorce Mediation Lawyers and Mediation Process (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)
- Legal Separation v. Divorce (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)
