Divorce is a very tough process. It’s important when choosing a divorce lawyer to go for someone you get along with, is easy to communicate your thoughts to and is reliable. Finding the optimum divorce lawyer to be by your side when you’re going through such an intense time in your life will make this process a lot easier.
Here go 8 tips to help you choose a divorce lawyer that adapts to your needs.
- Do thorough research
It’s common for people to hire the first lawyer they find. It might seem like a relief at the moment, but this can cause headaches in the long-term. It’s important to go over divorce lawyer’s Google reviews, read the testimonials on their websites and check out their past records before deciding to go for one in particular.
- Ask for recommendations
Asking your friends and co-workers about divorce lawyers is another great way to see if the lawyer provides quality services. If someone you know has experience with a specific divorce lawyer, it can give you a good idea about their professional practices, such as work ethics and efficiency. This can make the process of choosing a lawyer much easier for you.
- Check their qualifications and experience
A lawyer should always give you their qualifications and experience, don’t hesitate to ask for them. You might want an experienced lawyer because it’s easier to make sure they have a high rate of success, as well as vast experience with clients in your situation. But while experience is good, it can also translate into higher fees. The real non-negotiable is your divorce lawyer’s qualifications because they confirm your lawyer is approved to practice law.
- Try to be realistic
Going through a divorce is a rough experience, but you must also be realistic about what your lawyer can do for you. Your lawyer is not your therapist. You can’t expect your divorce lawyer to listen to all your feelings. It’s true you must find someone empathetic, but you should keep in mind your divorce lawyer is there to help you in strictly legal ways and not to advise you on personal matters.
- They’re easy to contact
It’s extremely important to figure out if your divorce lawyer will be available in case of an emergency legal situation. Ask them right off the bat the ways you can contact them and how long they will take to respond. This will help you choose the best lawyer for your needs.
- Be mindful of red flags
It’s key to identify red flags early in the process in case you need to change divorce lawyers. Some issues to be aware of are the lawyer not being clear when they communicate, the lawyer not being able to reach the agreement you want, the lawyer not responding to urgent emails or texts, the lawyer being rude or making unrealistic promises.
- Choosing the divorce process you want to go with
There are several divorce processes you can go with, and choosing the one you want for you is extremely important. There is mediated, collaborative and contested just to name a few. Make sure you do your research and find out what lawyers have experience in this type of process.
- Your budget
Your budget is a crucial factor when you choose a divorce lawyer. Be upfront with your lawyer and ask them what their fees are, as well as how much a divorce process like yours will cost. This will save you and your lawyer time and energy.
