October 16, 2019

Are You Hiring the Right Divorce Attorney?

Discover these pointers to aid your search for divorce lawyer services that best suit your unique needs.

Between 40% and 50% of marriages across the United States end up in divorce. Going through a divorce can be an emotionally wrecking experience and you need to work with an attorney who will assist you during this difficult period. Since each divorce is different, you will need to identify the attorney who best suits your proceedings. Here are some pointers to aid your search for divorce lawyer services.

1. Weigh Your Needs and Goals

The best kind of divorce lawyer is one who possesses relevant skills that can help you achieve your divorce's goals and objectives. When you begin looking for divorce lawyer services, you ought to identify an attorney who suits your needs and not the other way round.

Therefore, the starting point in zeroing in on a great lawyer to handle your divorce is to settle on your goals. What are the specific issues at play in your divorce? Will they call for specialized skills from your lawyer? For example, if you have children, then you will need to focus on hiring an experienced child custody lawyer.

Another essential aspect that influences your search for divorce lawyer services is the relationship you plan to have with your attorney. For instance, some people want the divorce attorney to be the one who runs the case and consults you as needed. In this case, your search will center on lawyers with such a track record.

The kind of input you will require from your divorce attorney will also guide who you end up choosing. For example, if you anticipate the proceedings will be relatively smooth and all you need is guidance on paperwork, then you'll better know who to consider.

2. Determine the Right Law Firm for You

A critical factor that ought to guide your search for divorce lawyer services is the culture and nature of the law firm. You should choose a firm with which you feel most comfortable working. Typically, you can choose to either go with a big law firm or a solo family law attorney.

With a solo divorce attorney, you get to know exactly who will be in charge of your case. Anytime you call the firm you can anticipate the attorney you will talk to. The only drawback of going with a solo divorce attorney is that it may take you longer to get them on the phone. Since the attorney has no one to pass their litigation meetings, depositions, or other casework to you will have to wait in line.

On the other hand, working with a multi-lawyer practice will afford you the handholding you desire. With such law firms, the attorney in charge of your case is the one who will draw up case strategy and objectives. But when it comes to the minutiae, the attorney in charge will often pass on the work to paralegals and other associates.

Therefore, working with a multi-attorney firm affords you the benefit of knowing you can always reach an experienced ear at any time of day. However, you will never quite know who you will find on the other end of the line to handle your case when you call.

3. Interview Several Attorneys

A classic mistake people looking for a Houston TX family attorney make is hiring the first lawyer they come across. You need to interview several attorneys to find the most suitable one to handle your case.

The lawyer you lean towards should be the one who helps you learn the most about divorce laws during the initial consultation. Visiting several lawyers will help you identify the most empathetic one. Such an attorney will care not only for the legal outcome but also about your family’s wellbeing long after the case is done.

Hire a Divorce Attorney You Are Comfortable With

A divorce is a trying period that can leave you vulnerable to emotionally-driven decisions. Due to this, your search for divorce lawyer services should focus on both an attorney's experience and personality. Settle for a divorce lawyer you can trust to guide you with empathy through the turbulent emotional waters.

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