When it comes time to begin your divorce proceedings, one of the most important decisions you will make is selecting your divorce attorney. This person will have a huge impact on your divorce, and the outcome. Therefore, it’s important that you hire not only the right person, but the right person for you. Everyone wants something different out of their attorney and their divorce. So, we’re going to help you figure it out. Below, you’ll find some strong considerations that you should ask about before selecting your attorney. Remember, you are interviewing them, not the other way around.
Divorce Attorney Considerations: Picking Representation
Experience
First thing first, your divorce attorney should have experience. But that doesn’t always mean the same thing. You want something specific from your divorce. Whether that be a certain settlement, rehabilitative alimony, child custody, or so forth. Whatever you want specifically should be at the center of your search. You want someone who has fought and won under similar circumstances to your own. So, ask them about it. Ask how many cases they’ve tried an won, how many out-of-court settlements, how they’ve handled near failures. You want to know your lawyer, understand their methods, and decide if it fits for you.
What Clients Have to Say
Check reviews and client testimonials over many different platforms. Furthermore, ask your attorney if there are any previous clients who might be willing to talk with you briefly. Hearing what others have to say, and their personal experience with this divorce attorney can be very valuable to deciding what is a good fit for you.
Comfortability
One of the more important things to consider, is do they make you feel comfortable. You are going to be sharing extremely personal details of your life with this person, and you have to be able to be honest with them. So, ask yourself if you’re willing to put it all out there with this lawyer. Even if they are well-suited to your needs, if you’re uncomfortable— you’re not setting yourself up for success.
Communication
One of the main complaints that people will have when it comes to a bad divorce attorney situation, is a lack of communication. You need an attorney that is able to work with you, answer your calls, and ease your mind. So, when you meet with attorneys— ask about availability. How is their schedule right now? Do they have a lot on their plate? You want to be able to reach your attorney quickly, easily, and without feeling like a bother. So, once again, lay it out there. Tell them what you’ll need, and see if that’s something they can handle. Every attorney is different, and your needs may be better suited to one or the other.
Take time with your decision
While this is a decision you need to make relatively quickly, take a day or two with it. Reserve one day to meet with a few attorneys, ask your questions, and then take another day to deliberate. Don’t hire someone on the spot, even if they feel like the right fit. If you’re meeting with four attorneys, and like the second one— don’t stop your search. You never know what the others might have to offer. Plus, taking the time to fully consider your decision is key to making the right one. This is an important move you’re making, don’t do it hastily.