how to select a good divorce attorney

What to look for in a good divorce lawyer?

Aug 05, 2020 · You can glean a lot of these things by looking at a website, which can help you in selecting the right divorce attorney. Create a List of Interview Questions It is recommended that you schedule appointments (either phone or in-person) with at least 2-3 attorneys (after you have already narrowed down your search through personal recommendations and savvy internet …

How to find a good divorce lawyer?

Jun 13, 2018 · Then how would you know how to choose the right attorney for the case? A few steps of suggestions to avoid making the wrong decision could be as follows: Step 1: Identifying the need for a divorce attorney. If contemplation of separation from the partner is thought of, the party may gain some advantages in meeting with an attorney.

How do you become a 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).

When choosing a divorce lawyer?

Jun 30, 2016 · The absolute best way to find a good divorce lawyer is, was, and probably always will be, word of mouth. If you know someone who has been through a divorce in the past few years, and was satisfied with their divorce lawyer, get that lawyer's name. If you know any non-divorce lawyers, ask them for a referral. Lawyers know each other.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Expert Q&A

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Tips

Even though you hired an attorney, you can fire him or her at any time and for any reason. Consider firing your attorney for doing any of the following:

Warnings

This article offers legal information, but it is not intended as legal advice.

About This Article

This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013. This article has been viewed 127,717 times.