Ending a marriage can be a difficult decision and a trying situation, especially when it comes to the legal side of things. Hiring the right divorce attorney means you have an ally in your corner. But how do you go about finding one? Being prepared ahead of time will make the search run more smoothly. Read on for the best tips to help you find the right divorce attorney.
1. Look in the Right Places
To start, hire an attorney who specializes in divorce. This may seem obvious, but it bears repeating. Divorce law can be complicated, especially when children and assets are involved. You want to work with an expert.
So, where do you start your search?
Some begin to look for divorce attorneys by searching online. There are legitimate and very helpful online resources out there. This includes reviews from previous clients.
Personal referrals from friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances can also be a good place to start. For some, they are the most-assuring source. If you have a friend or family member who went through a divorce, ask if they’d recommend you use the same attorney or law firm.
There are also organizations you can look at. For instance, within the American Bar Association, as well as your local bar association, you can look into the family law section. Another very beneficial resource is the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
2. Lay Out the Specific Wants, Needs, and Circumstances of Your Divorce
No divorce is exactly the same. So you should take your specifics into consideration when hiring an attorney. Hire an attorney with experience and expertise in cases similar to yours.
For instance, if you have children, you should seek out divorce attorneys who specialize in custody agreements and family law. There are also attorneys who specialize in the division of assets or other complicated financial issues.
Figure out your desired outcome. Decide whether or not you’d prefer to settle out of court.
Be realistic with your goals. Set a feasible budget. Hire a divorce attorney who can help you achieve those while staying within your budget. An attorney will review your case. They’ll look at your financial situation and discuss your goals. And they will provide advice and counsel tailored to those.
3. Hire a Divorce Attorney Local to Your Area
To get the best representation, your attorney should be familiar and experienced with the specifics of your area’s court system. Divorce processes can vary state by state. While attorneys who aren’t local can do research, there’s no substitute for experience.
Having practiced law in your area also means they have history with the judges. This means that, while discussing the case and your strategy, they can make an informed prediction about how the judge may rule.
You can start by looking for divorce attorneys specific to your city and then expand your search to your county if necessary. If you’re searching online, you can start by typing “divorce attorneys near me” into Google.
If you’re looking for a Pacific Northwest divorce attorney, you can find more information on Warren Allen LLP on their website.
4. Interview More Than One Divorce Attorney
As with most major decisions, you shouldn’t just choose the very first one you find, sight unseen. Instead, meet with a few prospective attorneys and compare. Many recommend interviewing two to three divorce attorneys before making your final decision.
You know to be sure you’re meeting with attorneys who are qualified and well-regarded, but go a step further. Pay attention to your comfort level with each attorney when you meet. They might have all the right credentials and experience and just not be a good match for you and your case.
For any interviews, prepare ahead of time and bring a list of questions with you. Keep in mind that some law firms offer a free consultation, while others charge. Make sure to clarify this before the interview so you don’t get a surprise bill.
5. Ask the Right Questions and Watch for Red Flags
Interviews are usually the last step before hiring a divorce attorney. This can understandably be nerve-wracking. But asking the right kinds of questions will make a difference. Be sure to take notes.
- When you’re interviewing, ask questions regarding the most pertinent issues of your case. Inquire about their experiences and perspectives. How long have they practiced law? Invite them to talk about their history with cases similar to yours.
- Ask how the attorney would approach your case. Have them describe the way they work.
- Does their strategy align with your goals?
- Is their approach more aggressive or not aggressive enough? Are they more collaborative or individualistic?
- Will they do most of the work themselves, or will certain tasks go to a team?
- Can they give you a timeline for how long it will take to resolve the case?
- Get a cost estimate and ask about their billing practices. Ask about any fees, hourly rates, retainers, and so on. Do your research ahead of time to get an idea of a reasonable range.
Interviews can also give an idea of what working with the attorney is like. Gage your comfort level and ease of communication.
- Are they open and honest? Are they attentive? Understanding?
- Have they already responded to your communications and concerns in a timely manner?
- Can you trust that certain information will remain confidential?
As you listen to their responses and review your notes later, look out for red flags. These include a condescending attitude or lack of empathy toward your specific circumstances. If you’ve set realistic goals for the outcome, pass on an attorney who is dismissive of them. Your attorney should be looking out for you, so don’t go ahead if they don’t have your best interests at heart. You can find a more expansive list of red flags on the Huffington Post.
Making Your Decision
Remember that, above all else, your divorce attorney is meant to advocate for you. Even in the most amicable splits, this process can be difficult, emotional, and personal. But once you hire the right candidate, you should feel supported and far more prepared. By following these tips, you’re already off to a good start.
The family law experts at Warren Allen have been serving Oregon and Washington since 1971. Find a divorce attorney on our team to represent your interests.
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