Divorce can be a painful and traumatic experience for anyone to go through. Families can be torn apart and financial concerns may bear down on one or both parties as they decide to go their separate ways. Trying to navigate this difficult time without the right legal representation can add to your concerns, especially if your divorce involves children or complex financial matters.
An experienced divorce attorney can address all legal matters pertaining to your divorce, ensuring your rights are protected, negotiating the best outcome for you. This is especially important when your parting has been acrimonious and your spouse has hired lawyers to protect their own interests. This article will set out some helpful steps to choosing the right divorce attorney to represent your case.
Do Your Homework
Before hiring an attorney, it’s useful to know there are different ways to dissolve a marriage and not all of them require fighting it out in a courtroom. Perhaps you and your spouse have parted ways amicably and are both open to mediation rather than litigation. In this case, an attorney who specializes in the former would be more suited to your needs.
As no two marriages are alike, neither are two divorces so it is important to find a lawyer who understands and aligns with your approach. It is advisable to weigh up your options by contacting at least three law firms in your area, thereby improving your chances of finding the right fit.
In addition to your research, you may know friends or family members who have gone through a divorce and can recommend a divorce attorney to you.
Ask Questions
In addition to having the experience and legal knowledge to take on your case, your attorney should also be someone you feel comfortable communicating with. This is the person you may have to share private or sensitive information with and your communications may be frequent.
Honesty, professionalism and availability are some of the qualities to look out for in a good divorce lawyer. You may not always hear what you want to but it’s important to feel your attorney is giving you good advice and delivering it with tact.
On the other hand, mistakes to avoid when hiring a divorce lawyer include choosing one who over-promises, divulges confidential information about their clients or takes an overly aggressive stance to your situation.
Many divorce lawyers such as Steven Fritsch, Carlsbad divorce and family law attorney offer free consultations giving you the opportunity to ask questions and decide suitability before hiring them.
Finally, inquire about their fee structure and an estimate of total costs. Law firms can differ in how they charge clients with some billing an hourly rate while others may agree to a payment plan.
Make Your Decision
Your choice of attorney should be someone that embodies your values and approach towards your divorce. If there are children involved, your attorney should recognize and advocate fair child support demands that put their interests first.
Along with being professional and responsive, your attorney also needs to be affordable. Divorce can often be a lengthy process and legal costs can easily add up, so it is important to choose an attorney with a rate or payment plan that you can afford.
The guidance in this article can help you to make the best choice for you and your family when going through a divorce.
