Going through a divorce can be emotionally and financially draining. It is a challenging period that requires you to make crucial decisions, including choosing the right divorce attorney to help you through the legal process.
There will be many attorneys to choose from, and sifting through your options to find the right divorce attorney can be overwhelming. Every attorney is different in their skill, philosophy, and approach to divorce. You need a lawyer who meets your unique needs and will support you through the tedious process
The Importance of Choosing the Right Divorce Attorney
Lawyers vary in their ideas, beliefs, and way of doing things. Each lawyer you come across will be excellent in certain aspects and not so good in others. For instance, some divorce lawyers specialize in sorting out financial issues, while others do well in high-conflict divorce cases. In the same way, some lawyers are good in court but are not trained to handle collaborative divorce.
It is important to choose a lawyer who has the right skill set to help you navigate the long and tedious divorce process with ease. Here are five tips that will help you choose the right attorney.
1. Decide on the Divorce Process You Intend to Use
Divorce processes include litigation, mediation, and collaborative divorce. Deciding on the kind of process you want before you start your divorce is critical in determining how the divorce will play out. It will help if you choose a lawyer who is skilled in the process of your choice rather than letting the lawyer decide for you. If you have a high-conflict divorce, you need to find an aggressive lawyer who will push the issues that matter most.
2. Choose the Right Type of Legal Service
Going through a divorce does not necessarily mean you need to hire a big law firm. However, if you have many assets, companies, and businesses or a complicated financial situation, you may need a big law firm to represent you.
If you want to put your divorce in the hands of someone with the time to give your case more attention, find an attorney who has a strong finance background. If the marriage was short, and you do not have a shared estate or children, hiring a solo lawyer will be more cost-effective.
3. Know Your Budget
As much as getting expert legal services is crucial, you need to be honest about your finances—the type of legal service you choose should balance with their cost. Do not assume that because a lawyer has higher rates, it will translate to a better result. The high rates could be because of their experience. If you are financially strained, inform your attorney beforehand so that you have time to adjust if needed.
4. Research Extensively
Be smart when browsing for divorce lawyers via search engines. Gather as much information about your prospective lawyer from the internet, recommendations, and reviews. Pay attention to the philosophy on their website. Although the high-quality websites and persistent Google ads may be convincing, a big advertising budget does not mean the lawyer can handle your case in the best way.
5. Interview Prospective Lawyers Before Making a Choice
Do not be quick to settle on the first attorney you meet. Identify two or three attorneys and schedule interviews with each of them. Ensure you ask the most pertinent issues in your case and listen to their varying perspectives. From the interviews, you can choose the one whose approach suits your situation best.
Bottom Line
Divorce can be daunting without proper support. With the tips discussed above, you can be confident that you’re choosing the right divorce attorney who understands your needs and provides expert legal advice within your budget.
Contact Monarch Family Law for expert, personalized counsel for your divorce.
