what questions should you ask a divorce attorney before hiring a attorney

• 1. Do you specialize in divorces, or are divorces just a part of your practice? How long have you been practicing family law? ...
• 2. What is your strategy for my case? How long will it take to resolve my case?
• 3. How long do you take to return phone calls? How do I get a hold of you if there is an emergency? ...
• 4. Will anyone else in your office be working on my case? What experience do they have? Can I meet them?
• 5. How will you charge me? What is your hourly rate? Do you charge for the time I spend with other lawyers, with paralegals, and/or with secretaries? ...
• 6. What costs (other than your own) do you expect will be involved (for example, for private investigators, forensic accountants, physicians, and/or psychologists), and how will you charge me for ...
8. Do you allow me to negotiate directly with my spouse? How can I keep the cost of my divorce down? ...
9. Based on what you know about my case, how would you predict a judge would rule on it?
10. What can you do to help me understand the tax effect of the decisions I will have to make?

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 14, 2022 · Ask about any specific costs such as court fees, outside consultants and other expenses. Ask the lawyer about hourly rates if they talk about the case. Also, inquire how long the case will take. Ask them what is the criteria for a billable hour. Now you understand my situation, how will you approach it?

What to look for in a good divorce attorney?

These may help you determine whether this lawyer is right for your case. 1. Do you specialize in divorces, or are divorces just a part of your practice? How long have you been practicing family law? How many family law cases have you handled? Are you a "certified family law specialist?" 2. What is your strategy for my case?

What qualities make a good divorce attorney?

Mar 07, 2018 · Before hiring a divorce lawyer, ask these questions during the initial interview to find if they are the right fit for you: 1. Do you handle cases other than divorce and family law? The answer to this question will help you evaluate the dedication of a lawyer to your case.

What should a woman ask for in a divorce settlement?

There are many factors to consider, including assets, incomes, living expenses, inflation, alimony, child support, taxes, retirement plans, investments, medical expenses and health insurance costs, and child-related expenses such as education.

How do you start a conversation with a divorce lawyer?

10 things to bring to your initial consultation with a divorce...Prepare your Schedule of Assets and Debts. ... Prepare your Income and Expense Declaration. ... Prepare a list of questions you want to ask the divorce lawyer. ... Tax Returns. ... Self-employment documents. ... List out the relevant facts about your case.More items...•Feb 5, 2017

What are 3 questions you should ask a lawyer before hiring?

Below are ten questions to ask your potential lawyer.How long have you practiced law? ... What type of cases do you generally handle? ... Who is your typical client? ... How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?More items...•Apr 13, 2018

What questions should I ask my divorce solicitor?

The Best Questions To Ask A Divorce LawyerWho will be dealing with my divorce?What are the likely costs of the divorce? ... If I want to petition for divorce, what ground should I go on given that the no faults divorce has not yet come into British law?More items...

What does a divorce lawyer do?

A divorce lawyer, or divorce attorney, is a legal professional who practices family law and ensures the protection of clients' rights during legal separations, divorces and custody cases. Divorce lawyers often work for family law firms and specialize in the legal filing, division of assets and aspects of child custody.May 20, 2021

What are some good questions to ask a lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•Jan 29, 2017

How do I prepare for an attorney interview?

If you are interviewing virtually, all of these tips apply.Do your research. Lawyers are known for being good researchers. ... Be presentable and dress your best. ... Come prepared to ask questions. ... Be personable and show enthusiasm. ... Be genuine. ... Promptly send a thank-you note.Oct 28, 2020

What do most lawyers charge for a contingency fee?

Typically the contingency rate free ranges from 33%-45% of the recovery. A contingency fee agreement is a payment arrangement that enables injured victims pursuing legal recourse to have legal representation, even if they do not have the financial ability to pay a lawyer out of pocket.Aug 3, 2021

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 should an attorney explain to you?

The attorney should explain to you the importance of the attorney - client relationship and the privilege in communications. The attorney should explain to you how and why you should not disclose attorney - client communications to any third parties or your spouse. This is a complex topic.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Is divorce a big step?

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. If you've never been divorced before, the process may feel scary and uncomfortable, so before hiring a divorce attorney, you should do your research to ensure you're ...

Do lawyers charge by the hour?

Like tutors and therapists, most lawyers charge by the hour, so make sure you know what you're getting into financially before signing anything. You may be able to comfortably pay for the retainer fee, but not the hourly rate, so make sure you ask for a total cost breakdown. 19 of 26.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can a lawyer who doesn't practice family law lose your case?

Plus, the latter have more experience in and out of the courtroom when handling family law matters. However, that doesn’t mean that a lawyer who doesn’t practice family/divorce law will lose your case.

Can a custody battle extend a divorce?

Sometimes custody battles can extend the divorce proceedings . You may have to concede some matters so you can wrap up the case quickly. Ask your lawyer when it’s in your favor to settle and where you might benefit from challenging the issue.