questions to ask when interviewing divorce attorney

Here are the top fifteen interview questions to ask a divorce lawyer.

• What areas of law do you practice? This will ensure the lawyer actually specializes in divorce and family law. Lawyers that practice in multiple areas ...
• What geographical area and courts do you cover? This will ensure the lawyer is familiar with the judges in your district.
• What experience do you have with divorce cases? This will ensure the lawyer knows how to handle a divorce case from start to finish and your case is ...
• How will you help me resolve my divorce case? This will ensure you “fit” with the lawyer. Do they want to be aggressive or are the settlement-minded?

Full Answer

What you should know before contacting a divorce attorney?

Communication File security and access References and reviews Delegation of responsibility Cost of divorce Reasonable expectations Your living arrangements Temporary orders Child custody and parenting time Spousal support Child support Attorney's fees requests Divorce process Community and separate property Contested versus uncontested issues

How to evaluate a good divorce attorney?

Apr 20, 2017 · Here are the top fifteen interview questions to ask a divorce lawyer. What areas of law do you practice? This will ensure the lawyer actually specializes in divorce and family law. Lawyers... What geographical area and courts do you cover? This will ensure the lawyer is familiar with the judges in ...

What to look for in a good divorce attorney?

Alimony Divorce and Property. Market Your Law Firm. Lawyer Directory. 1 (800) 992-6652. Call us at 1 (000) 000-0000. Please answer a few questions to help us match you with attorneys in your area. Select Your Legal Issue. Select Your Legal Issue. Family.

What qualities make a good divorce attorney?

General Experience How many divorce cases have you handled? What’s your strategy for my case and will I have any input? How many cases like mine have you previously handled? Why should I hire you? Can you predict the likely outcome of my case? Do you know my spouse or their attorney? Do you have any ...

What are some interview questions for divorce?

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How do you answer a lawyer question?

How long does it take to get divorced?

If there’s a custody battle or complicated business and property issues, a divorce can take a year or longer .

How long does it take for an attorney to respond to a phone call?

A good attorney will answer emails and phone calls within 24 hours, and may have someone on staff who can respond earlier.

What does a good attorney do?

A good attorney will provide his or her client with copies of everything that is received or sent out. You don’t want an attorney who gets a settlement offer from your spouse’s attorney and forgets to send it to you for your consideration.

What to do if you can't settle a case out of court?

If you are not able to settle your case out of court, you want an attorney who is experienced and is willing and able to go to trial, if necessary, and who is familiar and comfortable with the local court system.

What is a good family law attorney?

A good family law attorney often has a team to help him or her, which is great, but it is important for you to know who will be working on your case, who will be communicating with you, who will be in charge, and how you will be billed for that work. 4.

Why is it important to ask a divorce attorney about their experience?

First, it will test the divorce attorney's knowledge and experience of the divorce process and divorce law. Second, it will educate you on what specifically the attorney can and will do with you to help mitigate the costs. Do not settle for a generic answer.

What can a divorce attorney do for you?

An experienced and knowledgeable divorce attorney will provide you with the tools to communicate better with your spouse. These tools include how to communicate with your spouse, when to communicate with your spouse and how to diffuse conflict.

What happens if an attorney cannot provide references to former clients?

If an attorney cannot provide you with multiple references to former clients, that attorney may not have much success representing clients. The former clients should also be types of cases similar to yours. I am not referring to you going through a divorce and getting a referral to a prior divorce client.

What happens if an attorney does not have a solid command of the law?

If the attorney does not have a solid command of the law on these issues, he or she may lack the experience you need. This is especially true if you expect your divorce to be contested and high conflict. Questions to ask a divorce attorney on the first visit about the divorce process. 1.

What does it mean when an attorney struggles with answering this question?

If an attorney struggles with answering this question, he or she may be a poor communicator. Organized and disciplined attorneys have a proactive communication style that fits the particular client.

How often do attorneys communicate?

The more complex the case, the more the communication will likely take place. A typical case has communication between one to four times per month.

Why do you use "likely" in divorce?

I use the word "likely" because there are facts you may not know and which may surprise you during the divorce.

What accreditations do divorce lawyers have?

What accreditations do you have? Various institutions have varios legitimate ways to provide accreditation to divorce lawyers. The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML – www.aaml.org) is one of those institutions. Some state bars also provide a certification for specialization.

Do you use mediation in divorce?

Do you utilize mediation? The option of mediation or other ways to use cooperation to settle a case should always be a divorce lawyers priority to discuss with a client.

What is the most important thing to know when hiring a divorce lawyer?

The most important element when it comes to hiring a divorce lawyer is that you see eye-to-eye. If you want to mediate and negotiate, but your lawyer is dead-set on going to trial, that disagreement could impact your case's success.

What happens if your primary lawyer isn't the only attorney working on your case?

If your primary lawyer isn't the only attorney working on your case, you may also be paying for other associates' time. While this is quite common, knowing what you're paying for may ease your mind a bit. 20 of 26.

Why do you hire a specific attorney?

You hire a specific attorney because you agree with their way of doing things, so the last thing you want is for your case to be handed off to other lawyers in the firm.

What to do if you are financially dependent on your ex?

If you are financially dependent on your soon-to-be-ex, you may want to consider finding a lawyer who will petition the court for your spouse to pay for their services. This essentially means you have a fair trial or collaborative divorce. 25 of 26.

Why do lawyers charge hourly?

The hourly rate is common among lawyers because you're paying for their time, and some days may be exceedingly busier than others. It's good to know whether or not you'll be paying for everything on which your lawyer is spending time.

What is collaborative divorce?

A collaborative divorce could end with you and your ex on good enough terms to be friendly with one another. While keeping your divorce out of the courts may sound ideal, you may need to take it to trial.

What does a divorce mediator do?

As a divorce mediator, she provides clients with strategies and resources that enable them to power through a time of adversity. Divorce is a huge step, and how it's handled can have lasting impacts on the rest of your life. No matter which side you're on, it's wise to seek experienced legal representation.

Can a divorce lawyer hide your information?

Hiding any critical information regarding your divorce may hinder the lawyer’s ability to critically assess your situation and offer the appropriate advice. At this point, be honest and open during the consultation. Share all the key details surrounding the divorce even if you do not feel they are relevant. You may have to reveal intimate and personal details regarding your relationship with your spouse but do not worry as this is perfectly normal and appropriate.

Can a divorce lawyer promise 100% success?

If the lawyer is promising you the world and telling you everything you’d like to hear, be cautious. No lawyer can really promise you 100% success in a divorce case as there are too many variables involved including how a judge will decide, the duration of the case proceedings and subsequently the costs involved.

What can a divorce lawyer do?

After evaluating all the facts, a divorce lawyer can provide you with an estimated timeline. This can help you if you have a full- time job, have to keep other commitments or want to evaluate your financial situation.

What to expect if you have gone through a divorce?

Unless you’ve gone through a divorce before, chances are you are unaware of what lies ahead and what to expect. Divorce proceedings vary from state-to-state, and the duration of your case will depend on your situation and how cooperative you and you ex-spouse are.

What to do if you haven't settled your divorce?

If you haven’t settled this with your partner, then ask your lawyer before hiring them about your chances of getting the custody of your child (ren). Understand the factors considered by state judges when deciding which parent should get the custody. Sometimes custody battles can extend the divorce proceedings.

What to do if you don't want to go to trial?

If you don’t want to go to trial, ask your lawyer about an alternative dispute resolution process – such as arbitration or mediation. If you and your spouse are good candidates for alternative dispute resolution, then you just might be able to reduce the financial and emotional cost of divorce. 9.

Why is it important to ask someone about their experience in family law?

This is especially important if you believe your divorce is going to be difficult or contested.

How important is communication in divorce?

Communication is very important between you and your divorce lawyer. The sooner you sort out how it will take place, the better.

When to allocate assets in divorce?

Allocation of assets can begin right after the couple starts living separately. This can make the divorce proceedings shorter.

How to Interview a Divorce Lawyer

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

You're Hired!

After you have decided whom you want to represent you, a reputable lawyer will send you his or her written agreement concerning fees and will give you time to ask questions about the agreement before you sign it. If a lawyer asks you to sign an agreement in his or her office without giving you the chance to think it over, look for another lawyer.