Going through a divorce can be one of the most traumatic and stressful periods of your life, even if you’re looking forward to being free again, but finding the right divorce lawyer can help you see your way through it all easier. The divorce process can have long-term ramifications, and you’re going to want to make sure your interests are covered, even if all you want to do is get it over with.
Don’t make the mistake of signing everything away for closure’s sake; those decisions will stay with you for the rest of your life, follow these tips to choose the right divorce lawyer for your case.
There’s More Than One Process
Before any other decision is made you’ll need to learn about the different types of divorce processes and which one is right for your specific circumstances. Whether you choose to go through a cooperative, collaborative, litigation, or mediation divorce process will affect what kind of lawyer you hire to see you through.
The Legal Advice You Need Makes A Difference
Anyone who’s going through a divorce needs legal advice (take it from someone who didn’t get it), but they don’t all need lawyers who run $500 an hour. How much guidance you need depends heavily on the assets you have and how much you need to protect them. If your financial situation is complicated, lots of businesses, etc. then you’re going to need a high dollar lawyer.
If, on the other hand, your marriage was short, you own no real estate, and your retirement plans aren’t blended then you’ll be fine with a consultation.
Your Budget Is Key
Speaking of expensive lawyers, this makes a huge difference. Even if you have the money to spend on a costly lawyer that doesn’t mean it’s always the right decision, but if you’re strapped then you’ll want to hire within your means. If handled wisely your divorce shouldn’t be followed by a trip to bankruptcy.
Word Of Mouth Is Still The Best Advertising
Talk to friends and family who’ve gone through similar situations, look online for divorcee support groups and find out who they worked through. Satisfied customers will be quick to praise those who helped them survive their divorce, so keep your ears open. Ask for information about them, their rates, and then give them a call if they sound suitable for you.
All Internet Resources, Even This One, Are Questionable
No matter how well written the resource or how glowing the reviews you always want to question the internet. The World Wide Web is the Wild West of advertising, with false reviews and snake-oil salesman around every corner.
Unfortunately, this remains true when you’re looking for a divorce lawyer. Take every piece of advice you find on the internet with a grain of salt, and consider it all carefully, and then be sure to follow this next point.
Don’t Go With The First One You Find
We know the urge to settle on the first lawyer and get this whole thing over-with is deeply tempting, but don’t make that mistake. Be sure to call a few lawyers while you’re on your search, question each of them thoroughly, and then take time to ruminate on their answers and call them back again to ask them more questions. You’ll thank yourself in the end.
Since you’re getting started on this road, you should give divorce attorney Sean Smallwood, P.A a call. Their years of experience in the field will provide you with a sound starting point, as well as a robust set of questions to ask of the others you consider. While you may end up using their services thanks to their expertise, don’t let that stop you from calling a couple of others to make sure you’ve found the right attorney for you!
