The attorney you choose to guide you through the divorce process will play a critical role in the outcome of your case. Choosing the wrong attorney can prove costly, time-consuming and ultimately impact the division of property, child custody and more. Thankfully, there are measures you can take to increase the likelihood of choosing the right attorney for you.
Now Is Not The Time To Rush
An article from the Huffington Post mentions that people are often in a rush to simply conclude the divorce process quickly. Some people do not take the time necessary to review their options with a clear mind, and simply choose an attorney without appropriate care and consideration. Instead, you should spend time thinking of your choice of attorneys.
The article outlines 6 valuable steps you can take that may help you make the right choice:
Start looking for an attorney as soon as possible. If you are considering divorce, allow yourself as much time as possible to review your attorney options.
Go beyond Google. Seek referrals from lawyers in other fields, or from therapists, financial advisors and others who frequently work alongside divorce lawyers.
Hire an attorney focused on family law. Many attorneys practice in various areas of the law, but one who handles divorce and family law exclusively likely has a greater depth of knowledge of cases like yours and will be more familiar with the local courts that handle divorce cases.
Interview each attorney. You have the right to ask questions about the attorney’s experience, approach to divorce cases and more. You should be prepared to pay for an attorney’s time during an initial consultation. Remember the adage that “you get what you pay for.”
Ask questions of yourself. After you interview the attorney, give serious consideration to your objectives and whether the attorney has the skill and experience to meet your needs.
Trust your instinct.
While you will ideally choose the right lawyer the first time, you should be aware that at any point in the divorce process you can seek a second opinion from a different lawyer or change lawyers altogether.
