how to pick a good divorce attorney

by Prof. Darien Nicolas 8 min read

How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer
  1. Step 1: Understand What Your Divorce Lawyer Does. ...
  2. Step 2: Set Realistic Expectations for Your Lawyer's Role. ...
  3. Step 3: Decide What Kind of Divorce Process You Need. ...
  4. Step 4: Consider Your Budget. ...
  5. Step 5: Do Some Online Research. ...
  6. Step 6: Talk to Family and Friends.

What to look for in a good divorce attorney?

Aug 05, 2020 · Tips To Find The Right Divorce Attorney For Yourself. Below you will discover six essential tips for hiring a divorce lawyer process, so you can be assured that you will have the most appropriate lawyer for your unique situation and needs. Figure Out What Type of Divorce You Want First. Not all divorces are identical.

How to find the best divorce attorney?

It is important to examine how to pick a divorce attorney. This is why it is common for someone to find an attorney to help him or her through his or her case. However, far too often, clients choose their attorneys based on cost and friend recommendations and fail to hire a qualified attorney- the results can be disastrous.

How do I find a good divorce attorney?

Tips to Choose the Best of the “Divorce Lawyers Near Me” Experience : The first qualification that you should seek out in your chosen family law attorney should be their level of experience (both generally, and with the issues specific to your situation, whether that involves custody and child support, alimony, distribution of marital property, and/or family business).

How do you become a divorce attorney?

Apr 04, 2019 · The attorney who was the perfect fit for your neighbor, your sister, or your co-worker may not be right for you. And it may not just be a matter of personalities meshing: every divorce is as unique as the parties splitting, and finding a lawyer with experience in the specifics of your case— be it custody squabbles, property, or domestic violence— is key to setting up the …

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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.

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 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.

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 process of discovery?

Many clients are shocked to learn about the legal process called “discovery.” This process involves a complete and total exchange of many years’ worth of financial records with the other side. The scope of discovery is very broad. Clients are often hesitant to turn over personal data such as paystubs, bank statements, investment information, personal credit card statements, and business records. There is no way to avoid it. Discovery is mandatory in all matrimonial actions. Failure to comply with discovery can result in severe penalties and court sanctions.

Can a spouse get compensation for infidelity?

Often, spouses who have been wronged by marital infidelity expect to receive some type of compensation from the court for their spouse’s hurtful deception. The harsh reality is that the court does not concern itself with cheating or marital fault. Marital infidelity, even if proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, is unlikely to result in any change to the outcome of your case. We can assist you in recouping the marital funds that your spouse spent to perpetuate his or her cheating (e.g., gifts, vacations). However, that is purely an economic issue based on money actually spent. No ethical attorney should represent that marital wrongs will be vindicated in court or result in financial compensation.

Is divorce hard?

Divorce is hard, but it is the beginning of the next stage of your life. The “fog of war” sometimes prevents clients from looking forward and seeing what life looks like 1-year, 3-years, 5-years, and 10-years out. You and your attorney should work together to define your goals and values, planning not only for the present, but also for the future.

How many flavors of Baskin Robbins ice cream are there?

There’s a reason Baskin-Robbins has 31 different flavors of ice cream—- each of us crazy, wonderful humans come with our own unique likes and dislikes. As with ice cream and iPod playlists, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing your divorce attorney. Divorce is one of the most personal experiences you can have.

How to get divorced?

1. Make a List of Your Needs and Goals. Start by making a list of what you are looking for in a divorce attorney. There are four aspects to consider: First, the issues at play in your divorce.

Do lawyers handle cases?

Yes, most lawyers will do what’s necessary to handle your case, but the process will go much more smoothly if you select someone who is willing to develop a relationship with you based on how you’d like to interact with them.

Do attorneys charge for initial consultations?

Some attorneys will provide free initial consultations and others will charge for their time. Do not be afraid to pay for an initial consultation. Done properly, an initial consultation should provide you with value, regardless of whether or not you end up retaining that firm.

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