Divorce is a difficult process that can have life-changing impacts. Finding the best divorce lawyer for a particular case can be time-consuming but is well worth the effort. The right representation can help spouses protect their financial interests, children and future plans for success. To make the best decision, spouses should consider the following factors when hiring a divorce attorney.
Spouses should find out how much of the attorney’s practice consists of divorce cases. Some firms concentrate on complex divorces while others treat them as just one part of their legal practice. A complex divorce requires a great deal more experience and expertise than a simple divorce.
A good divorce attorney will know how to use discretion, maintain confidentiality and avoid publicity for clients. It is important for spouses to avoid hiring attorneys they have seen in the news with other famous or wealthy divorce clients. This can lead to the perception that the divorce attorney is a celebrity who uses their status to obtain business, not to serve the best interests of their client’s cases.
When choosing an attorney, spouses should interview a few candidates. After each interview, they should compare and contrast the lawyers based on their attributes. They should also ask each candidate to provide references. The referrals can be helpful in narrowing the field to one or two potential lawyers.
During the initial consultation, spouses should find out how each lawyer charges for their services. While some attorneys offer a first consultation free of charge, most do not. Some will charge a low fee while others will charge their normal hourly rate. This information will help spouses understand how much each option may cost before making a final decision.
Spouses should make sure to discuss their case goals with each potential lawyer. This includes whether they want to be involved in the divorce proceedings or whether they are willing to participate in mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution. They should also discuss the type of assets they have, how they expect those assets to be divided and any concerns they have about the process. This will ensure the attorney is a good fit for the case and can achieve the desired outcome.
Good divorce attorneys will take a strong interest in their clients’ cases. If an attorney seems bored or aloof during the initial consultation, then it is unlikely that they will be able to connect with spouses and provide them with the service they need.
It is also a good idea to ask the potential divorce attorney about their staff. In many cases, an attorney will have a team of paralegals and junior lawyers who will work on the case with them. The potential client should be familiar with the staff before hiring the lawyer to ensure that they are comfortable with the people who will be working on their case.