The process of researching divorce lawyers and choosing the right one for your needs can be very complex--that is, if you allow it to do so. However, you can make the process much simpler if you follow some simple steps that will allow you to conduct some initial research on divorce lawyers in your locality. When you take the time to conduct some research first you will find the entire process proceeds much smoother because you have the confidence in your lawyer and do not feel the need to follow up on things he or she should be doing for you.
There is no magic way to determine the credibility and expertise of divorce lawyers. As a potential client, you must take the time necessary to research and assess the experience and competence of any divorce lawyers you may be thinking of hiring. The most important thing is not to rush through the research process; that is the easiest way to overlook things that are essential for making the right decision. It may mean delaying your plans to file for divorce, but the peace of mind that accompanies the knowledge that you chose the right divorce lawyer makes the wait worthwhile.
It can be overwhelming for an individual to attempt to locate the best divorce lawyers, but if you sit down and calmly make a list of those things that are important to you it will not be as stressful. It is important to remember that when you are contemplating divorce, you will be flooded with emotions--hurt, anger, disappointment, remorse--so this is not a good time to attempt to remember things about any of the divorce lawyers with which you interview. Instead you should make a list of items that are important to your specific circumstances and work your way from there.
In your list you want to include those things that would show you which of the divorce lawyers you are researching has the most experience and is most likely to be the most beneficial in helping you obtain the best settlement in your divorce. Some of the questions that may come to mind include the following:
• How many years have you been practicing family law, specifically divorces?
• What is your expertise in dealing with couples when there might be a possibility of a contested divorce?
• What is your success rate in obtaining out of court settlements? Do you favor working through the mediation process when couples cannot come to their own agreement?
• What is your average timeline from the time I hire you until the time the paperwork is filed in court?
• What are your hourly charges for services other than filing the ancillaries? This might include things such as negotiating with your spouse's lawyer, preparing the divorce papers, obtaining any financial information you were unable to provide, delivery of the divorce petition to the court and just answering any questions you may have about your case when you call on the telephone.
There is no magic way to determine the credibility and expertise of divorce lawyers. As a potential client, you must take the time necessary to research and assess the experience and competence of any divorce lawyers you may be thinking of hiring. The most important thing is not to rush through the research process; that is the easiest way to overlook things that are essential for making the right decision. It may mean delaying your plans to file for divorce, but the peace of mind that accompanies the knowledge that you chose the right divorce lawyer makes the wait worthwhile.
It can be overwhelming for an individual to attempt to locate the best divorce lawyers, but if you sit down and calmly make a list of those things that are important to you it will not be as stressful. It is important to remember that when you are contemplating divorce, you will be flooded with emotions--hurt, anger, disappointment, remorse--so this is not a good time to attempt to remember things about any of the divorce lawyers with which you interview. Instead you should make a list of items that are important to your specific circumstances and work your way from there.
In your list you want to include those things that would show you which of the divorce lawyers you are researching has the most experience and is most likely to be the most beneficial in helping you obtain the best settlement in your divorce. Some of the questions that may come to mind include the following:
• How many years have you been practicing family law, specifically divorces?
• What is your expertise in dealing with couples when there might be a possibility of a contested divorce?
• What is your success rate in obtaining out of court settlements? Do you favor working through the mediation process when couples cannot come to their own agreement?
• What is your average timeline from the time I hire you until the time the paperwork is filed in court?
• What are your hourly charges for services other than filing the ancillaries? This might include things such as negotiating with your spouse's lawyer, preparing the divorce papers, obtaining any financial information you were unable to provide, delivery of the divorce petition to the court and just answering any questions you may have about your case when you call on the telephone.