When you’re going through a divorce, it can be difficult to know what to do and where to turn. Divorce is never easy. It takes a toll on both an individual and his or her family. It can be overwhelming to plan for divorce, especially if you are not prepared for it.
If you are getting a divorce, you will need to hire a lawyer. This may be the single most important decision that will impact the outcome of your divorce. Hiring the wrong lawyer could cost you thousands upon thousands of dollars and even more in terms of missed opportunities, resentment, and wasted time.
If you’re going through a divorce, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed. The family courts are complicated and emotionally draining. You’ll need to make major decisions about child custody and property division, and it’s likely that the person you once called your spouse will be an adversary in court.
Before hiring a divorce attorney, you should consider many factors. Today, we’re sharing some helpful insights from our blog on the top 11 things to consider before hiring a divorce attorney. Buffering yourself from making costly mistakes can help you better address your situation and move forward.
The right lawyer can make all the difference in the world, and it’s important to find one you’re comfortable working with before you need them in a crisis. The following checklist will help make sure your divorce attorney is the right fit for your case.
Top 11 Things to Consider Before Hiring an Attorney
Here are 11 things to consider before hiring a divorce attorney:
1) Determine whether you need a lawyer at all
If you and your spouse have no children or significant assets and debts, it might be possible to handle your divorce without an attorney’s help. In fact, many couples choose this route because they think they’ll save money by not hiring a lawyer. However, while doing it yourself might seem like a way to save money in the short run, people who try this often find themselves spending more money later because they overlooked something important
2) Ask for Referrals
Talk to friends, family members, or even co-workers about their experiences with divorce attorneys. While not everyone will have the same experience, the commonalities you hear might be helpful in selecting your own attorney.
3) Look for Qualification
Divorce attorneys should have some formal training in family law. They should also be licensed by their state to practice law. Make sure that you know what type of law your attorney practices.
It’s important to make sure that you hire someone familiar with your type of case; otherwise, they may not be able to handle it properly or could miss important facts or details about your case that could affect its outcome.
4) Determine What Type of Attorney You Need
There are different types of divorce attorneys available depending on your individual needs and circumstances. However, determine what type of attorney you need for your case.
5) Only Hire an Attorney You Can Trust
It is very important that you trust an attorney completely. This will be the person helping you make some very difficult decisions during your divorce proceedings.
6) Finding an Attorney You Like
Trust is only part of the equation when it comes to finding someone to help with your divorce proceedings. You also need to make sure that you feel comfortable with your attorney on a personal level.
7) Has Your Attorney Handled Similar Cases?
If you have hired an attorney before, then the answer to this question should be yes. Experienced attorneys are able to handle all kinds of cases, but it is always best if they have handled cases similar to yours in the past.
8) What Experience Does Your Attorney Have?
Divorce cases can be very emotional and contentious at times, so it is important that your attorney knows how to handle their clients appropriately. Make sure that you ask questions about their experience in the past so that you do not go into court unprepared.
9) Personal Chemistry
It’s not just about the experience — it matters who you’re working with as well. You want someone who makes you feel at ease and confident in their abilities when things get tough. If there’s ever a time to pick a lawyer based on gut feel, it’s when choosing one for the emotional roller coaster of a divorce
10) Child Custody
When it comes to child custody, you want an attorney who is familiar with your state’s laws regarding same-sex spouse or partner adoptions, as well as those that cover the rights of both gay and straight parents.
11) Spousal Support
A good divorce attorney will know the laws in your state because each has its own rules about spousal support. Some states base this on how long you were married while others use a formula based on your income or assets.
In the end, hiring an attorney is a personal decision that depends on several factors, including how complicated your divorce is and what type of relationship you have with your spouse. I hope these things will definitely help to choose the best divorce attorney for your case.
