what to ask when interview a divorce attorney

10 Interview Questions to Ask a Divorce Attorney

1. How Much Experience Do You Have? Experience is one of the most critical components of a good divorce attorney. While...
2. Do You Specialize in Divorce? Many attorneys can handle a variety of cases but only specialize in one type of...
3. Will You Personally Handle My Case? Many significant practices hand your case off...

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What are the best questions to ask a divorce lawyer?

Aug 22, 2021 · 10 Interview Questions to Ask a Divorce Attorney 1. How Much Experience Do You Have? Experience is one of the most critical components of a good divorce attorney. While... 2. Do You Specialize in Divorce? Many attorneys can handle a variety of cases but only specialize in one type of... 3. Will You ...

What you should know before contacting a divorce attorney?

These tools include how to communicate with your spouse, when to communicate with your spouse and how to diffuse conflict. If the divorce attorney struggles to provide you with this information, you should question his or her experience. Our divorce attorneys pay significant attention to communication.

What qualities make a good divorce attorney?

Ask these questions about handling the case: Will I have input in decisions concerning strategy in my case? Will I be kept informed of all developments? What problems do you foresee arising in my case? What are your personal feelings about …

What to look for in a good divorce attorney?

Do you feel comfortable in your interactions with them all? Does the attorney seem engaged and transparent with you? Are you satisfied with the answers given? Do you feel like they are hiding something or skirting around a question? Do you feel rushed or like you’re a …

Here are the top fifteen interview questions to ask a divorce attorney

There are many different questions to ask a divorce lawyer. You should always interview several divorce lawyers before choosing one, and bring some questions with you to your first meeting. This guide will help.

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 of the law probably do not have the requisite expertise you need.

What is retainer deposit for divorce?

Retainer deposits are money that is placed into a client trust account (called an IOLTA), and when the attorney earns those funds he or she can place them into their own business account. The retainer deposit may or may not cover the entire cost of a case. Be careful of an attorney that requires a very low retainer deposit – if the deposit seems low to you, your instincts are probably right. Look for an honest, straightforward discussion about the overall cost of your case.

Can a Massachusetts divorce lawyer practice in more than one area of law?

Some Massachusetts lawyers practice in more than one area of law. While this does not mean they are not effective advocates, it is very difficult to have a complete knowledge base of more than one area of law. Be careful of a divorce lawyer that practices in multiple areas of law, such as personal injury, estate planning, and so forth.

What is the importance of a divorce lawyer?

A divorce attorney’s ability to communicate and get along with other divorce lawyers, and the court, is imperative to the resolution of your case. A lawyer who promotes conflict in your case is not someone you want representing you.

What do lawyers teach?

Lawyers who are experts in their field often teach legal courses and seminars regarding various topics of family law. Typically, top-notch attorneys are involved with teaching continuing legal education seminars.

Is Massachusetts an equitable distribution state?

Massachusetts is an “equitable distribution” state, which means that property and debts are fairly divided between the parties. There are several important statutes that discuss equitable division, the most important being M.G.L. c. 208, Section 34.

How to choose a divorce attorney?

While different people have varying legal needs and preferences, the first step is to determine the type of legal service that’s right for your divorce. Then, try to narrow down a list of attorneys to no more than three. Next, you will want to meet and interview each attorney, before choosing one and retaining their services.

Do you need a lawyer for child custody?

Child Custody: Believe it or not, not every family law attorney will take on a case involving children and the complexities of child custody. If you have children, you will need an attorney experienced with these issues, and willing to handle parenting plans and help you understand your rights regarding child support.

Do attorneys charge retainers?

Some attorneys charge a retainer fee up front, which covers a specific set of services. Outside of those services, they charge an hourly rate with a set minimum time increment (ie: 15-minute increment charge for even a 5-minute phone call.)

Do attorneys have staff?

Many seasoned attorneys have a staff of associates (junior attorneys) and paralegals working under their supervision. This allows the firm to take on more cases and to charge the client a lower hourly rate for staff services.

Is divorce difficult?

The process of divorce is difficult enough. The last thing you need is an attorney who is out of touch with your legal needs and your personality. Aligning expectations and determining the best fit for you up front is essential to the best outcome for your case and for your peace of mind.

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 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 divorce be peaceful?

Sometimes couples decide child custody matters privately, in which case divorce proceedings can be smooth and peaceful. 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).

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 do marital assets depend on property laws?

Allocation of marital assets depends on the property laws, which vary from one state to state. This is because the property laws dictate the ownership rights. In the majority of states, splitting marital assets is simple, and both partners are assigned joint assets.

Who is Alycia Gordan?

Alycia Gordan is a freelance writer who loves to read and write articles on healthcare technology, fitness, and lifestyle. She is a tech junkie and divides her time between travel and writing. You can find her on Twitter: @meetalycia. Reader Interactions.

What is family law?

However, family law is a subspecialty that involves complex legal principles, which take time and experience to master.

What is a restraining order?

restraining orders prohibiting spouses from changing beneficiary designations or transferring assets before and during the divorce. alimony (how to calculate income available for alimony and the special factors courts consider when determining setting payments) child support (how to calculate child support in your state)

What is the division of property and assets?

the division of property and assets, including real property, collectibles, venture capital interests, stock option portfolios, good will, or other business interests, and . the division of retirement benefits. There is a vast body of law (which will vary from state to state) that applies to these issues. These laws are frequently updated ...