It’s important to hire a divorce lawyer who you feel comfortable working with. After all, the outcome of your case could have a significant impact on every aspect of your life going forward. Your attorney should listen to your concerns and help you reach the best resolution possible. Choosing the right lawyer can make the entire process more manageable and less stressful. But how do you find the right one for you? The following are some things you should consider when hiring a divorce lawyer.
1. How Much Experience Does The Attorney Have?
The amount of experience an attorney has in divorce cases will have a direct impact on how well he or she handles your case. A less experienced attorney may not be able to understand complex property division issues or child custody matters. You should also avoid hiring an attorney who only practices divorce law part-time, as this may negatively impact the outcomes of your case.
2. Ask For References
While it is perfectly normal to be nervous about hiring a divorce attorney, you should always do your homework before making a decision. You can start by asking friends and family who have used a divorce attorney in the past for recommendations. You should also contact your local bar association to find out if any complaints have been filed against the attorney you are considering. In addition, you should also visit the attorney’s website to learn more about their educational background and work experience.
3. What is the Attorney’s Fee Structure?
A good divorce attorney will provide you with a clear outline of his or her fees in writing before starting work on your case. This will include all hourly charges, upfront payment and a detailed breakdown of the total cost. If an attorney fails to mention these details or does not explain them clearly, then it is a red flag and you should move on to another candidate.
4. How Much Time Does the Attorney Spend on Each Case?
A great way to gauge how much time an attorney devotes to each case is by examining the cases that they have completed. You should look for a high percentage of cases that are successfully resolved without going to trial. A successful result doesn’t necessarily mean that the attorney won every single battle, but it does indicate that they are skilled and knowledgeable in their field of practice.
5. Do they Focus on Complex Divorce Cases?
Complex divorce cases can be more complicated than other types of divorces. For this reason, you should hire a divorce attorney who focuses on complex property division and child custody cases. It’s also important to determine whether or not the attorney has experience handling divorces involving high-net worth individuals.
A good divorce attorney will treat your case as a priority and will not leave your matter to attend to other clients. You should also find out who else will be involved in your case. Your attorney will likely have a team of paralegals, junior lawyers and administrative staff who will play an important role in your case. Your attorney should be willing to introduce you to everyone who will be working on your case so that you can build a trusting relationship with them.