Whether you seek to get out of an abusive marriage, leave an unfaithful partner, or leave in search of much-needed love, you need a great divorce lawyer to see you through your divorce.
No matter what your circumstances are, getting a divorce is never a pleasant experience, particularly with all of the paperwork, procedures, and legalese that are involved. Having the appropriate attorney on your side, on the other hand, makes the burden much easier to bear. But how do you find a good divorce lawyer?
Here are five questions you need to ask before hiring a divorce lawyer.
5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Your Divorce Lawyer
1. What Are Your Credentials?
The main thing you want to look at before sealing the deal with your lawyer is their credentials. What qualifies them to represent you in court? Are they licensed? And most of all, what is their specialization?
While a property lawyer may know a thing or two about divorces, you should look for someone whose sole practice is family law.
2. How Much Will It Cost Me?
The last thing you want when dealing with a difficult divorce is to get a rude shock from your lawyer’s billing department. Luckily, you can avoid this by detailing the costs beforehand. Be sure to ask your lawyer what their general hourly rates will be. The rates might vary depending on the complexity of your case. Remember to also ask what their retainer fee will be.
The ideal lawyer will communicate all the costs without leaving out crucial details. It is essential to ask whether there are any hidden charges for the services you will receive. Once your lawyer answers all your questions, you can have a contract detailing your terms.
3. What Can I Expect From My Divorce?
While it is impossible to tell the entire divorce outcome from the beginning, an experienced lawyer can tell you what you can expect if the divorce pans out in your favor and what to expect if it all heads south. For instance, will you get alimony? What will be the fate of your property? Do you have a chance in the custody battle?
Whatever it is, your lawyer should not shy from telling you the truth as it is. If you do not stand a chance with full custody, your lawyer will devise a better deal to get you child custody and visitation rights.
It would help if you also asked about the expected timeline for the entire divorce process. That way, you can plan yourself both financially and psychologically.
4. What Are the Communication Channels?
Communication is key if you want your divorce to pan out in your favor. You must discuss your communication channels with your lawyer from your first meeting. How often will you check in on the case? How will you communicate the vital details of the case? Will mail work for you? Or would emails or video calls work better? Whatever you agree upon, stick to it and maintain an open line of communication to ensure that everyone is always on the same page.
5. Who Else Is On The Team?
So you have checked out all the qualifications you are looking for in your lawyer, and you are well impressed; but have you found out the team that will handle your case? In most cases, your lawyer doesn’t fly solo. There may be a couple of junior associates or even interns working on your case to ensure a pleasant outcome. Do not be afraid to ask your lawyer about his team, their qualifications, and if they will be the best people to handle your case.
Contact an Experienced Divorce Lawyer for Help Today!
Choosing the appropriate family law attorney is critical. This is the person to whom you are entrusting your financial future, child custody, parenting time arrangements, and other matters that will have a significant impact on your life now and in the future.
With the best lawyer by your side, you can focus on healing yourself and nurturing your children as your lawyer fights the legal battles for you. Seek the counsel of a knowledgeable and experienced divorce lawyer who will stand up for your rights, respond to your concerns, and put your emotional well-being above all else. Contact us for a free consultation.
