Divorce is one of life's most trying times, and a time when you need someone on your side. When hiring a divorce attorney, it's important that you look beyond the outward facade and dig deep to find out which lawyer will really work toward your best interests. Divorce is an emotionally draining process, no matter how easily or quickly it is finalized. And with some divorces, more than two people are involved. There are often children, in-laws, and others that will be affected by the outcome of the divorce. So if you're facing a divorce, it's crucial that you choose the best family divorce attorney possible to help you face the upcoming legal process. Here are some pointers to help narrow your choices.
Interview with Several Divorce Attorneys
Schedule a consultation with several attorneys in your area that specialize in divorce and family law. This ensures you're getting the cream of the crop....someone that knows family law and is familiar with all aspects of divorce. During the initial consultation, you should bring a list of questions pertaining to the lawyer's style of representation, past courtroom experience, success rate, and hourly fees.
Notice how the attorney handles your questions and whether or not he seems deeply concerned about your situation. Does he speak to you in plain English, or try to impress you with legal lingo? Does he seem concerned about the outcome of your divorce and how it affects everyone involved, or only about his ability to represent you? Beware of lawyers that only try to build up their practice and abilities without personalizing their service to you. A divorce lawyer's primary concern should be discovering and meeting a client's needs throughout the process.
An attorney that has a family of his own and has a clear understanding of all aspects of family law is more likely to empathize with your situation. Consider his integrity and ability to handle himself in peaceful negotiations as well as complex court trials involving delicate subject matters such as domestic violence, spousal or child abuse, child custody, grandparent visitation, etc.
Don't be afraid to ask for references of past clients that you can contact and speak with about their experience. This will give insight from the client's side and help you get a better understanding of the lawyer's overall care for clients.
Credentials and Experience
A family divorce lawyer's credentials and experience should definitely influence your decision. Ask if he is board-certified in family law, and how much trial experience he has had in regards to divorce. Trial experience is important if you have a contested divorce in which the court settles your disputes. Even in an uncontested divorce case in which you and your spouse draw up your own divorce agreement, a lawyer's trial experience can be to your advantage. He can help you understand the possible outcomes of your divorce agreement and suggest any changes that might better suit the interests of your family.
Years of court experience also means your divorce lawyer is familiar with family court judges in the area and can tailor his representation to the judge's personality.
Fancy Office?
Don't judge a book by its cover, and don't judge a divorce attorney by his office or building. Although his office should be neat, organized and presentable, don't be overly dazzled by a fancy office. A fancy office could mean he is a huge success and everyone loves him, or it could mean that he is in a great deal of debt and needs to squeeze every penny out of his clients! That's why it's important to use discernment during an initial consultation as to what his motives are in representing you.
Also, consider the amount of staff in his office. While some are certainly over-staffed, being under-staffed can present its own problems. Not having enough staff members to handle simple tasks could cause your lawyer to be too busy to spend quality time working on your case. You'll want to select a divorce lawyer that's there when you need him, returning phone calls and answering your e-mails promptly.
Use online searches for your local area to read the websites of local divorce attorneys. Look for those experienced in all aspects of family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, alimony or spousal support, appeals, adoption and even some aspects of criminal law when necessary. If you live in New York, for instance, search using keywords such as "divorce lawyer New York" or more specifically, "divorce lawyer Brooklyn New York." This will provide a list of divorce attorneys in your area so you can begin your research.
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Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon
International. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2010 (Fri Mar 05 2010)
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