how to get 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 assets and resolving custody issues. ...
• 3. Know what you want. ...
• 4. Identify at least three potential attorneys. ...
• 5. Interview and research potential attorneys. ...
• 6. Look for red flags. ...
• 7. Make your choice.

Full Answer

How do I know if my divorce lawyer is good?

Here is a list of the 9 things you should never do during a divorce:

1. Don’t forget to consult an attorney. A lawyer can make sure that you both review and understand anything before you sign or agree. ...
2. Don’t neglect your finances. If you’re thinking about divorce, you need to immediately begin to set aside money for the all the expenses involved. ...
3. Don’t immediately tell everyone you are getting a divorce. ...

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Can anyone recommend a good divorce lawyer?

I would highly recommend them to any woman or man go through the same family law / divorce case i had. We have now had everything order by the court and i coudlnt be more grateful for their help. I recommend OTS Solicitors, and they family team.

What to look for in a good divorce attorney?

You need someone who can take the following actions on your behalf:

• Review the circumstances surrounding your divorce and how state laws are likely to apply;
• File the appropriate legal documents with the court and respond to any pleadings you receive from your spouse;
• Appear by your side at divorce-related hearings, making effective legal arguments on your behalf;

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What are the best questions to ask a divorce lawyer?

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What to ask for during a divorce?

5 Things To Make Sure Are Included In Your Divorce SettlementA detailed parenting-time schedule—including holidays! ... Specifics about support. ... Life insurance. ... Retirement accounts and how they will be divided. ... A plan for the sale of the house.

How do you play dirty in a divorce?

Top 10 Dirtiest Divorce TricksServing Papers with the Intent to Embarrass. You're angry with your spouse, and you want to humiliate him or her. ... Taking Everything. ... Canceling Credit Cards. ... Clearing Our Your Bank Accounts. ... Starving Out the Other Spouse. ... Refusing to Cooperate. ... Jeopardizing Employment. ... Meddling in an Affair.More items...•

How do I choose a divorce lawyer in California?

How To Find the Best Divorce Lawyer in CaliforniaEducate Yourself Before Meeting with Attorneys.Be Proactive.Look For An Attorney Online.Ask Friends For Recommendations.What to Look For When Researching Attorneys.Hire a Specialist.Meet with at Least 2 – 3 Attorneys.Questions to Ask a Divorce Attorney Before Hiring.More items...

How do you fight a narcissist in a divorce?

Divorcing a NarcissistDon't Even THINK That Your Divorce Will Be Amicable. ... Get a Strong, but Reasonable, Divorce Lawyer. ... Get a Therapist. ... Assemble Your Support Team BEFORE You Divorce. ... Get EVERYTHING in Writing! ... Stay Out of Court as Much as You Can. ... Find Ways Your Narcissistic Spouse Can “Win” ... Pick Your Battles Wisely.More items...

Why does a narcissist drag out a divorce?

Knowing that you are able to move on without their influence can be unbearable for them. They crave your dependence and loyalty above all else. Without you, they will feel the need to act in an aggressive or jealous manner. This can make a simple divorce case quickly turn into a drawn out affair.

What are the different ways to go about divorce?

Possible ways to go about the divorce process include arbitration, mediation, litigation, collaborative divorce, summary divorce, contested divorce, and others. Spend time researching these methods and select the path that you think will work best for you.

What is divorce attorney?

Divorce attorneys (a subsection of Family Law) specialize in the entire divorce process from start to finish, help smooth over differences between disagreeing parties, and even offer a sympathetic ear to listen when you feel overwhelmed or upset.

How to narrow your search for divorce lawyers?

While the number of attorneys you will encounter after a simple Google search can feel overwhelming, you can narrow your search by adding the search query to the divorce process you are seeking (arbitration, mediation, etc.). This will ensure that the lawyers who appear in your search results will specialize in the type of divorce you want.

Why is it important to hire a divorce attorney?

Hiring a divorce attorney is often one of the first steps any person seeking a divorce will perform, and it is easily the most important, as their guiding hand can help make every subsequent step that much easier. Once you have planned to acquire an attorney’s services, your first big decision is which attorney to choose and why.

Why do you have to have an interview with an attorney?

Having an actual interview with the attorney can help solidify your mind if they are the right type of person with the right expertise for your case. To ensure that you get all the information you need to make an informed choice, create a list of questions beforehand, and ensure to go over each question in full depth.

What to bring to an interview for a lawyer?

Be sure to remember to bring a pen and paper with you when performing your interviews. Penning down notes will help you remember what the lawyers said when you are making your decision later.

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.

What Does a Divorce Lawyer Do?

A divorce lawyer protects the rights of their client, along with handling the related custody and financial aspects of the divorce. Importantly, a divorce lawyer will also explain the law and your available legal options.

How to approach a divorce?

Approach. Look for an attorney who aligns with your approach to the divorce. Ask how they would handle your issues. Some may work in a collaborative style that aims to problem-solve and minimize conflict—and perhaps settle the divorce without going to court. Others may take a more aggressive approach. Find the lawyer who will handle your case the way you want to approach the divorce.

What Is the Average Cost of Divorce?

The average cost of divorce in the United States is $12,900. The average hourly rate is $270, as data from Martindale-Nolo shows. Typically, clients pay an upfront retainer fee, which averages $2,000 to $5,000. 5

Why do people hire divorce lawyers?

First, divorce lawyers are skilled at presenting a case to a judge, seeing the big picture, and finding the best deal for their clients. Secondly, divorce lawyers can offer options people may have not realized were available. They may anticipate the outcome, suggest settlement options, and put together a settlement proposal as a result of their experience with similar cases.

How much does a divorce attorney cost?

The total average costs of a divorce can range from $7,000 to $28,000, with divorce attorneys charging an average of $270 an hour. In a 2019 study by Martindale-Nolo Research, attorney fees for divorces lasting less than six months clocked in, on average, at $6,500; those lasting more than 30 months came in at $23,000. Typically, divorce lawyers are paid via a retainer, which requires clients to pay in advance for their services. On average, the startup fees ranged from $2,000 to $5,000. 5

What is divorce arbitration?

Divorce arbitration is another form of resolving disputes in divorce negotiations without going to court, and it can also be speedier. It differs from mediation in that both parties present their case before an arbitrator whom they select, and the arbitrator makes a decision on how to handle their case. The arbitrator is often a lawyer or retired judge. It's important to note, however, that most often, the decision of the arbitrator cannot be appealed.

What are some good websites to check on divorce lawyers?

Online information portals, such as Martindale-Hubbell, Avvo, and Lawyers.com offer client and peer attorney reviews. Another good source is an association of attorneys focused on divorce and family law that often provides search portals for members, resources, and information you can use to educate yourself about legal issues around divorce. You can also use these sites to check the names of attorneys who have been recommended to you.

How to find a divorce lawyer?

Ask them about what type of client they typically represent. Ask them about their rates. Most divorce lawyers charge an hourly fee and require a retainer -- a fee charged in advance. Some lawyers will also negotiate fees based on anticipated settlements. Don't waste your time (or theirs) on a meeting if they're out of your cost range. Most divorce attorneys provide a free consult to discuss your specific situation and what their legal approach would be. So take advantage of it to gather as much legal advice as possible! Typically, the attorney you meet with will not be handling the day-to-day issues related to your case, so ask to meet the colleague or associate that would. The divorce process can also include financial experts, parenting coordinators, coach facilitators, and forensic appraisers. Find out your attorney's access to these resources and if any would be relevant to your case, as it will affect overall cost. And even if you have no intention of heading to trial, look at the attorney's trial record and history of success in court. This track record is an indicator of your attorney's success in negotiation.

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 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.

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.

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.

What is the demeanor of a divorce lawyer?

Some lawyers pride themselves on an aggressive demeanor, while others highlight their ability to collaborate and settle most divorces without a drawn-out courtroom battle. Your needs, your personality, and your spouse's demeanor in the divorce will also affect the type of attorney best suited to your case.

What Type of Attorney do I Need?

When you're getting a divorce, you'll need an attorney who is experienced in family law matters. A old college friend who now practices medical malpractice law isn't likely to be the best choice to handle your divorce. Different areas of the law have different rules and requirements. Attorneys in each practice area have different skill sets. Divorce can be a complex process and it's essential to have an attorney who knows the nuances of family law and is familiar with your local court's rules and judges.

How Do I Know If an Attorney Is the Right fit?

You should interview any prospective attorney just as you would someone who was applying to work for you. You need to like your attorney. It's also important that you have confidence in your lawyer's abilities and respond well to communication style. Some lawyers pride themselves on an aggressive demeanor, while others highlight their ability to collaborate and settle most divorces without a drawn-out courtroom battle.

Can a single attorney give legal advice?

A single attorney can't ethically give good legal advice to two people in adverse positions. While some couples choose to use a single attorney to draw up divorce paperwork, that attorney legally only represents one of the spouses.

Is divorce hard?

It can be the difference between feeling like you have an advocate to protect you, or feeling like you're fighting a battle alone. Divorce is hard, but an experienced divorce lawyer can take on some of that burden and help you achieve your goals. Find out more about what to look for when choosing a divorce attorney.

Can a lawyer represent both spouses in divorce?

The short answer is "no." The professional rules of conduct govern ing lawyers prohibit attorneys from representing both spouses in a divorce. This would create a conflict of interest for the attorney, since your interests, rights, and needs in a divorce are adverse to your spouse's. A single attorney can't ethically give good legal advice to two people in adverse positions.

What to ask before settling on a lawyer?

Before you settle on a lawyer, ask yourself what it is that you’re hoping to get from them. Are you looking for a lawyer who’s emotionally supportive? An impersonal but focused attorney? Are you looking for a team or a one-on-one personal experience?

Why is it important to evaluate the temperament of the attorney you interview?

It’s also important, Hildebrand adds, to evaluate the temperament of the attorneys you interview to ensure the lawyer does not cause more problems than provide solutions in your divorce, which he adds will only “increase the time and money you will spend on your divorce.”

When meeting with an attorney, don't waste time asking questions about their experience?

When meeting with an attorney, don’t waste time asking questions about their experience, as that is information you should have gathered already from your research. Also, don’t bother asking how many cases you’re attorney has “won,” because the term “win” is meaningless in a divorce settlement and each case is unique enough that one person’s outcome will not necessarily be reflective of yours.

What to do when you first meet someone?

Assuming you’ve done your due diligence and research, there’s also something to be said for first impressions. And, depending on what that first impression tells you, you should pay attention. If something feels off, listen to that feeling and respond accordingly. “Nothing beats that ‘gut instinct’ when you first meet someone,” says Valencia. “Chances are you will know the right lawyer for you when you meet him or her. Don’t let plaques on a wall or an Armani suit dissuade you from your first instinct which is usually the right one.”

How to choose a divorce attorney?

There are several things to look for when choosing a divorce attorney. You want to choose someone who is experienced, respected, competent, and affordable. If they are proving to not be a good fit though, change them. Because you can, even if the reason is that you don't get on with him or her. Bear in mind however that if an attorney has worked on your case, you'll have to pay her/him for their time. Also, it might damage your case to change attorney's when you are close to a court ordered deadline, so only do it after careful consideration.

How to start a divorce?

One of the best and simplest ways to do that is to start a divorce file. In this file, keep every bit of paper that could have an effect on how your divorce proceedings. Gather copies of all important financial documents and access to all account information. Keep it organized and easy to navigate.

How do divorce lawyers save money?

That you'll save money and heartache by being organized. Divorce lawyers often charge by the hour. If you take responsibility for being as organized as possible, not only are you likely to walk away from your marriage with a more acceptable outcome, you'll probably save some money too.

How to deal with divorce issues?

While it may seem difficult, coming to an agreement with your spouse can alleviate a lot of the issues of divorce and it could also save a lot of ugliness down the line. If you have kids and common friends, it's likely that you and your spouse may be in each other's lives for years, even decades to come. Those interactions aren't going to be made easier if one or both of you hired some hard-nosed lawyers and caused each other pain. If you can work it out, you and your spouse can each part ways without feeling taken advantage of by the other.

What is mediation in divorce?

Mediation is a process whereby you and your spouse sit down with a neutral third party to negotiate several important areas of divorce. It's a low-cost way to address practically any other disagreement you and your spouse may have. While the mediator's decision is not binding, it allows a neutral party to provide their perspective on how divorce related issues should be addressed. However, mediation can only be a useful tool if you and your spouse can come to an broad agreement.

What happens if my spouse meets with an attorney?

If your spouse meets with an attorney first, it could create a conflict of interest that would not allow them to represent you. (Incidentally, this was a tactic that Tony used when mulling over divorce with Carmella in The Sopranos .) Secondly, attending several consultations can help you better understand the process, your rights, and help you to manage your expectations. Thirdly, meeting with several attorneys enables you to weed out the ones who aren't a great fit.

What does it mean to be uncontested in divorce?

An uncontested divorce means that you and your spouse agree child custody, spousal support, child support, visitation, and division of property. If you find that there is no need to fight over these things, you've already saved yourself thousands of dollars.

De La Cruz & Cutler, LLP

Jeff Cutler is a native Miamian, attending local public schools before graduating with honors from the University of Florida School of Business Admin... Read More istration (BSBA, Finance) and receiving his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida School of Law in 1982.

LegalShield (pre-paid Legal Service)

LegalShield gives you the ability to talk to an attorney on any matter without worrying about high hourly costs. For one flat monthly fee $24.95 you ... Read More

The Campbell Law Group PA

The Campbell Law Group prides itself on being a friendly and honest, “boutique” law firm in Coral Gables. We specialize in both Family and Corp... Read More

The Walton Law Firm, PLLC

The law is the most valuable when it prevents people, familes, businesses and communities are protected from wrongful actions and from suffering inju... Read More

Law Offices Of Hena Rodely, P.A

I'm a fully bilingual family law and real estate attorney with 16 years of experience practicing in South Florida. I offer free consultation and hand... Read More s-on service.

The Turner Myers Firm

For the past five years, I worked for a major law firm in Miami-Dade. In my tenure at the firm, I practiced in the following areas: Family Law,... Read More

The SG Law Firm PLLC

We are attorney who Establish, Maintain, Protect and Defend Businesses and Families. We have unwavering integrity.

What is a divorce lawyer in Seattle?

Divorce Litigation Partners has offered dedicated divorce attorneys in Seattle since 1995. The firm helps with all aspects of the divorce process. Its firm has a history of handling dissolution of marriage issues, including standard matters such as property division and spousal support to issues involving minor children, including child support, child custody, visitation, and parenting plans. Managing partner Scott Semrau has more than 20 years of experience in divorce law, and he is AV-rated with Martindale-Hubbell and a 2019 recipient of the Super Lawyer Award.

How many variables are there in divorce lawyers in Seattle?

Our goal is to connect people with the best local experts. We scored Seattle Divorce Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.