5 Things To Consider Before Hiring A Divorce Lawyer
Divorce can be a haunting and traumatizing experience for any women. No one simply wants to undergo this process. But whether you like it or not, you have to go through it if faced in such a situation. Part of your divorce process should include the hiring of a divorce attorney, especially if you are leaving a long-term marriage with assets, debts, and children.
Here are some important guidelines to follow when you decide to hire a divorce lawyer.
-
The Lawyer’s experience
Any lawyer you consider must have a substantial experience when it comes to divorce cases. An experienced one knows and understands the different things to expect from the judge. From there, he must be able to leverage this knowledge to your advantage.
In addition, the lawyer must practice primarily in the field of divorce law. If your situation is kind of special in some ways, (i.e. you are gay or your husband is military) he must be experienced in handling your case.
-
Client testimonials
This is without a doubt the best way to gauge whether or not your divorce lawyer is the best one. If you know someone who had worked with him before, make sure to ask this person. This individual can give you insights and/or feedback regarding the lawyer’s skills and experience. If not, you can always ask the lawyer for a list of clients that you can ask about him. Do not be afraid to do so, especially since you will be shelling out money. In fact, you have the right to request such information.
-
The ability to communicate
The entire divorce thing is already a huge headache. What do you think will happen to you if the attorney you choose fails in communicating properly? Not only should he be accessible, but he must also be prompt in responding to your questions, requests, or emails. Sure, you can always ask the attorney about his or the office’s policy. But if there is an area that could help assess his communication skills, it is none other than asking his previous clients.
Keep in mind, though, that being satisfied with his communication is not enough. That is because you also need to be pleased with the connection you have with him.
-
Fees the Lawyer charges
Once you make an initial appointment with your chosen lawyer, do not forget to ask about his consultation fee. Believe it or not, some lawyers are fond of giving free brief initial consultations. But as far as those who are really experienced in the field, they are going to require a hefty amount from you. In some cases, they might charge you based on their hourly rate.
Find out the different fees involved in working alongside your lawyer. From there, weigh if it is something that you can do financial-wise. And before you contract with him, it is imperative that you have a contract signed by you and him. This contract, in particular, should outline the fee agreement.
-
Being comfortable is everything
Again, divorce is a painful and traumatizing experience. Whether you win the custody case, for instance, or not, it is still going to be a difficult journey to embark on. As such, you want an attorney who can make you feel comfortable and ease. He should not add to the burden you are carrying. And while he does not have to make things personal, he should be able to come with legal ways to make you feel confident.
Hiring a divorce lawyer can bring you tons of advantages, especially if you consider the aforementioned things to consider. And while it may require you to shell out a hefty amount, an experienced and skillful lawyer is worth every penny. Do not rush yourself into hiring an attorney. Be considerate and always go for the one that puts your best interests first.
