how do you choose a good divorce attorney

7 Steps To Choosing The Right Divorce Lawyer

1. Be realistic. First, you need to realize that divorce is a legal process with the sole purpose of dissolving your...
2. Know what you want. Before you rush out to hire a divorce attorney, consider other alternatives to traditional...
3. Identify at least three potential attorneys. Don't jump to hire the first lawyer you...
4. Make your choice.

Full Answer

What to look for in a good divorce lawyer?

Aug 05, 2020 · How to Select the Right Divorce Attorney: 6 Tips From a Lawyer Tips To Find The Right Divorce Attorney For Yourself. Below you will discover six essential tips for hiring a divorce... Figure Out What Type of Divorce You Want First. Not all divorces are identical. There are many different reasons ...

How do I find a good divorce lawyer?

Jan 12, 2016 · How to Choose a Divorce Attorney. In order to choose a good family law attorney, a large part of your introductory interview will involve asking questions about their expertise, fees, and philosophy. Like many, you may find the idea of …

How to find the best divorce lawyer?

Feb 02, 2014 · 7 Steps To Choosing The Right Divorce Lawyer 1. Be realistic. First, you need to realize that divorce is a legal process with the sole purpose of dissolving your... 3. Know what you want. Before you rush out to hire a divorce attorney, …

How to know if a divorce lawyer is good?

Mar 13, 2020 · Show All 1. Understand your lawyer’s role The goal of using a lawyer to help in your divorce process is to move the dissolution... 2. The importance of research While your goal here is not to become an authority on the ins and outs of …

What to do before you rush out to hire a divorce attorney?

Before you rush out to hire a divorce attorney, consider other alternatives to traditional litigation. If you aren't completely entangled with children and finances, you could hire a mediator to help you negotiate the terms of your divorce.

What is the job of a divorce attorney?

Your divorce attorney's job is to represent you to the best of his or her ability in this process. While you might want them to listen to your anger, frustration, pain and sadness, that is not their job. They are not trained to be your therapist or coach, and they don't want to be.

What is the purpose of divorce?

First, you need to realize that divorce is a legal process with the sole purpose of dissolving your assets and resolving custody issues. Your divorce attorney's job is to represent you to the best of his or her ability in this process.

What is the cheapest way to get divorced?

Mediation is the fastest, cheapest way to get divorced, and you might not need to hire an attorney at all! If your negotiation is more complicated, you'll have to hire a divorce lawyer to negotiate a settlement with your spouse's attorney. Or you could consider a collaborative divorce.

What is collaborative divorce?

A collaborative divorce is focused on negotiation with the goal of preserving a co-parenting relationship. Your last resort is a litigated trial. Typically, these are the cases when neither side will compromise. So you need to determine what type of divorce attorney you need based on your unique circumstances.

Do attorneys tell you what you want to hear?

Unfortunately, many attorneys will tell you what you want to hear just to close the deal. While this is your life, it's a business for them. There are no guarantees in this process, so if an attorney is making promises, don't believe it.

Who is Laura Miolla?

Laura Miolla is a Separation and Divorce Coach who helps people find clarity, empowerment and confidence in the difficult divorce process. Use coaching to make better decisions in your divorce, achieve better outcomes, and lower the cost.

What to look for in a divorce lawyer?

Key points to look for when searching for a good divorce lawyer-. 1. Understand your lawyer’s role. The goal of using a lawyer to help in your divorce process is to move the dissolution of your marriage forward in a fair and equitable manner. The main points of discussion when meeting with a lawyer should focus on money, ...

Is it important to find a good divorce lawyer?

Deciding to divorce can be a long, soul-searching and emotionally-draining process. Adding to the stress is the necessity of finding a good divorce lawyer from the beginning. It is important to have top-notch legal representation, however, so do your research and find the best divorce lawyer you can afford. Finding the right lawyer could end up ...

How to use a lawyer for divorce?

1. Understand your lawyer’s role. The goal of using a lawyer to help in your divorce process is to move the dissolution of your marriage forward in a fair and equitable manner. The main points of discussion when meeting with a lawyer should focus on money, other assets such as real estate and investments, and custody of any children. ...

Is it easy to divorce?

Hopefully, you will have done your research and your divorce can move along and be finalized without major hitches. It is never an easy decision to divorce, but going in with knowledge can help make this transition time less uncertain and a bit easier to get through.

What is the marriage.com course?

If you feel disconnected or frustrated about the state of your marriage but want to avoid separation and/or divorce, the marriage.com course meant for married couples is an excellent resource to help you overcome the most challenging aspects of being married.

Good Referral Sources

Many people find a divorce lawyer through a professional’s recommendation. Clergy, therapists, and marriage counselors may all be able to suggest divorce attorneys.

Your First Meeting

When you’re with a divorce attorney for the first time, he or she will ask you for some background information about your situation. You should be told, briefly, how the laws work in your state and what that will mean for your own case. The divorce lawyer can also tell you which court will handle your case.

Fees and Billing

During this first consultation, the lawyer should also explain his or her fees. Does she take a retainer — a lump-sum payment — up front? That practice is common. As the lawyer works on your case, she subtracts an amount equal to her hourly rate from the sum you have prepaid.

A Look at Legal Styles

There are as many different legal styles as there are divorce attorneys. Some family attorneys are tough and aggressive and give you an immediate feeling of confidence or dislike, depending on your perspective. Others seem too nice or too soft-spoken, and you can’t imagine them standing up to your spouse, let alone a judge.

How to Interview a Lawyer

What exactly do you need to know before you hire a divorce lawyer? Here are some questions to ask before you write a retainer check or sign on the dotted line.

Why is the internet important for divorce?

The internet is best used for gathering information and validating referrals. If someone gives you the name of a divorce lawyer whose website looks like it hasn't been updated since Al Gore invented the internet (or worse, who doesn't have a website at all!), that is NOT a good sign.

Is a lawyer rating agency infallible?

Take lawyer ratings with a grain of salt. Lawyer rating agencies are not infallible. A lawyer who chooses not to advertise, or participate in a particular rating site's program, may end up being rated poorly, even though s/he may be an amazing lawyer.

Is it a good idea to talk to someone who has been through divorce?

Despite the ability of researching on the Internet, first-hand accounts are still a really good way to get quality information.

What is the goal of divorce?

The goal of your divorce should be to come to a fair settlement while avoiding court. Some attorneys prefer to fight things out in trial, but that method drags out the case and is much more expensive.

Do you need to meet with an attorney before you put down a large deposit?

It is vital that you do your homework and actually meet with several attorneys before you put down a large deposit to retain one. Trust is extremely important in the relationship you will develop with your attorney, and you need to meet them to get a feel for that initial first impression.

Why do lawyers charge more per hour?

Many people think that just because a lawyer charges more per hour that they will get better service and a better settlement. That is not necessarily the case. A higher rate may signify a more experienced attorney, or it could simply mean they primarily practice in a larger market.

Can an attorney practice in different states?

Many attorneys are licensed to practice in several different states; however, laws can vary drastically, even at the local level. You want an attorney well-versed with the regulations in your area, as well as a familiar relationship with local judges and officials.

Who is Mat Camp?

Mat Camp is a former Lexicon Services Online Editor, who focused on providing a comprehensive look into all aspects of the divorce experience. On MensDivorce.com, he concentrated on issues, such as parenting time, custodial rights, mediation, the division of assets, and so much more.

1. Look for a Mix of Services

Divorce lawyers should have a range of services. When you compare practices, make sure that they specialize in contested/uncontested divorces, irreconcilable adultery, etc.

2. Decide on the Divorce Process You Want to Use

Before you can get started with your divorce, you need to decide whether you want to use:

3. Choose the Right Type of Legal Service

The type of legal service that you need depends on your marriage situation.

4. Know your Budget

Attorneys can be expensive if you don’t do extensive research before making your decision. While you should be selective about the attorney that you choose, you also need to manage your expectations and choose a lawyer that you can afford.

5. Do Smart Research

Every attorney’s website should clearly state their philosophy. If a lawyer says something like, “I’ll fight for your rights,” they are probably a trial lawyer. If an attorney says that they can help you stay out of court, they are probably best for collaborative divorce .

7. Interview Several Lawyers Before Making a Choice

You shouldn’t choose the first attorney that you interview. You should consult with at least 2 or 3 different practices before you make a choice. All attorneys offer different perspectives. The only way to ensure that you are making the right decision is to explore your options.