A divorce can get complicated quickly. Once a couple decides to part ways, there are many decisions to be made. Unfortunately, emotions can sometimes get in the way of making sound decisions during a divorce. If children are involved, it gets even more complex. Not only will you be protecting your own interests, but you will be looking out for your children’s interest as well.
Choosing the right custody lawyer who will best represent you and your children throughout the entire divorce process may seem a little daunting. As you are carefully evaluating your divorce process, here are five things to look for to find a divorce attorney that will best represent your interests.
Experience
There are so many nuances involved when dealing with laws pertaining to divorces, custody rights, child support, and the division of assets. You need an attorney that is not only knowledgeable about the laws but who also knows how those laws are interpreted in your area. It is always a good idea to do some research on any potential attorney and ask plenty of questions.
- Check out their reputation with your state’s Bar Association. If there are any past issues or disputes involving their practice, there will be records that you can view.
- Look at their website. Check out their credentials and read their clients’ testimonials.
- Do not be afraid to ask them for references from their past clients with whom you may be able to speak.
- Ask them specific questions. Who gets the family home? How are the assets distributed? How is child support calculated? A competent attorney familiar with how the court system works in your area should be able to easily answer any of your questions.
- Check out online reviews. There are plenty of websites that track and post reviews about attorneys, both positive and negative.
Communication
In many ways, both your financial and personal future are in the hands of your divorce attorney. Of course, you will not be the only case that your attorney is handling, but you want to make sure that they have the people and the resources to adequately take care of all of your needs. Clear, open communication is vital throughout the divorce proceedings.
Who else will you be working with throughout the divorce? There will likely be different assistants and paralegals handling some aspects. If so, is your potential attorney letting you know who they are and offering an introduction? Your divorce attorney should make this information readily available while they are representing their firm at your initial consultation.
How confident do you feel with the attorney’s ability to walk you through the divorce process? It all goes back to communication. You must be able to understand each other.
No Hidden Fees
Most people have a budget. This always needs to be a consideration when choosing the right divorce attorney for you. You will find that most reputable divorce attorneys who fully understand how the divorce laws are handled in courtrooms typically charge comparable rates.
Hourly rates and any other fees should be freely disclosed during the initial consultation. There should not be any hidden fees that arise later. They should also be very clear on how much the retainer agreement fee is and how the billing is handled.
Professionalism
An attorney’s professionalism matters in so many ways. They should make a good impression on you. You also want to think about the impression that they will be making in the courtroom.
Professionalism is not only appreciated and recognized in a courtroom setting, but a lack of it can also be detrimental to the outcome of the proceedings. Judges value and rely on an attorney’s ability to present their case expeditiously and professionally. And a huge part of deciding the final outcome of most divorce
proceedings comes down to the judge’s interpretation of your attorney’s presentation. Their professionalism can make or break you.
Trust Your Gut
In the end, trust your own intuition when choosing the best divorce attorney for you. You should speak to at least a couple of different lawyers, making careful observations and get a feel for who will best be able to represent both your financial and custodial interests. If, for any reason, you do not feel entirely comfortable and confident in their abilities, you should take it as a red flag that something’s just not right.
At Dreyer Law, we take pride in our ability to provide outstanding, comprehensive legal representation and personal attention to all of our clients. We have the knowledge, experience, and resources to protect the interests of you and your children throughout your divorce. If you are looking for a law firm that will fight for your rights, give us a call today.