If you are looking at going through with a divorce, you most likely know you need to hire a lawyer. However, knowing who to pick can be more challenging than it sounds. It is important to remember that not all lawyers are equal, and you should also consider more than the reputation or hype around an individual attorney.
As there are a lot of considerations that go into choosing a divorce attorney, we have created a list of tips to help you through the process. This will inform you of the most critical considerations in finding the right attorney for your case.
Decide on the type of divorce you want
One of the first things to figure out when choosing a divorce attorney is what kind of divorce you want. Are you interested in handling the matter yourself? If so, you will need to file for a no-fault divorce. Alternatively, if you’re going to accuse your spouse of wrongdoing, you need to file for a contested divorce. As soon as you know what type of divorce you want, you can start looking for a divorce lawyer.
Ask people you know for recommendations
Personal recommendations are usually the best, so check with your close friends, family, and colleagues to see who they trust and if they have had any prior experience with them. It would be best to ask what they liked and disliked about their experience. This will help you narrow down the choices available to you.
Review and research
Review your choice of attorneys carefully and check their integrity by researching references and past work with clients. Pay particular attention to an attorney’s professional affiliations and area of practice. You should seek this information before interviewing the attorney or speaking with them on the phone or via email. Find out if there are any complaints related to any professional licensing board or bar association that oversees lawyers in your locality. Remember that anyone can post a complaint online, so ensure that you read the complaint carefully before reaching any conclusions. You may consider utilizing an attorney referral service that can screen attorneys for you and make a recommendation based on your needs, values, location, and budget.
Select someone whose experience and ability align with your interests
The best attorney for you is one with a history of successful courtroom and litigation experience. They should have the knowledge and attitude necessary to handle your divorce case in particular. It would help if you also considered your personality and sense of comfort because you will most likely see your lawyer regularly. For example, if you do not feel like an attorney understands your situation or listens carefully to your questions and concerns, you should look for another attorney.
Divorces are draining emotionally, and in such a difficult time, you should make sure that you are going to be represented by a good divorce attorney.
If you are looking for an expert divorce attorney who will aggressively but fairly fight for your rights, and protect you, reach out to the divorce lawyers at Hecht Schondorf.