The Significance in Finding a Good Divorce Attorney
Divorce can be one of the most difficult and stressful experiences you’ll ever have. It’s important that you find an attorney who will be an advocate for you and your family during this time. The wrong lawyer can make the process even more traumatic and expensive, so it’s essential that you research and interview multiple attorneys before choosing the right one to represent you.
The first step in finding a good Divorce Attorney is getting referrals from friends and family members who have gone through divorce. This can give you an idea of the quality of work the attorney provides, and it can also help narrow your search. In addition, it’s a good idea to seek out professional referrals from accountants or financial advisors who have experience working with families in the midst of a divorce.
Once you have a list of potential attorneys, visit their websites to learn more about them. Pay particular attention to how they describe their approach to the divorce process, as well as their philosophy on family law. For example, some attorneys may focus on mediation and alternative dispute resolution processes like collaborative divorce, while others will be aggressive litigators. It’s also a good idea to ask the attorney what percentage of their practice is dedicated to divorce and family law matters.
At your initial consultations, be sure to bring a detailed list of all assets and debts, along with copies of your tax returns from the last several years. This will help the attorney better understand your situation and provide you with a more accurate estimate of how long it will take to resolve your case.
It’s also a good idea to bring any other documentation that you believe would be relevant to your case, including birth certificates, marriage licenses and custody agreements. If you have children, bring information about their health and education as well as any behavior issues that you think may be relevant. It’s also helpful to bring an outline of your current situation, including the reasons for your divorce and what you hope to achieve from the process.
You should be comfortable and confident in the ability of your attorney to protect your interests, and you should feel a sense of trust that they will treat you with respect and compassion during this emotional time. You should expect your attorney to be experienced, professional and knowledgeable about the complexities of divorce law. However, you should never feel pressured to hire the first lawyer you meet with. Instead, try to set up appointments with at least three attorneys so you can hear a range of perspectives on your matter. That way, you’ll have a much higher chance of finding the right attorney for your unique needs. And don’t forget to read our article “Questions to Ask a Divorce Attorney at Your Consultation” to get the most out of your meetings! And as always, please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about the article or your individual circumstances.