How do I choose a divorce attorney?

HOW DO I CHOOSE A DIVORCE ATTORNEY?

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The selection of your attorney is one of the most important factors in the outcome of your divorce. With such a large pool of attorneys to choose from, making such an important decision can be extremely difficult. What works for one person may not be suitable for another even if the relationship has similarities. It will take a lot of research and time, but the choice of your legal representation should not be taken lightly.

You should not choose a lawyer based upon who comes up first in an internet search. Attorneys pay for this and the lawyer who pays is not necessarily the best lawyer. You should begin your search by talking to a lawyer you may have used for other legal matters, like a real estate transaction or estate planning. They may have good, trusted colleagues who are experienced. You may also reach out to professionals with whom you have a relationship like accountants, investment advisors, or therapists. Although it can be an awkward conversation to bring up, talking to friends, family or coworkers who have recently been through divorce can also be a good resource. Once you have a few names, you should speak with at least two or three divorce attorneys. By interviewing a number of attorneys, you can get a feel for their personalities, priorities, and the overall feel of the firm in order to truly find the best fit.

When you are researching attorneys, you should ask the following questions:

How many years of experience does the attorney have?
Is the attorney’s concentration in family law?
What type of reputation does the attorney have?
What is the attorney’s hourly rate?
In what jurisdictions does the attorney practice?
Does the attorney communicate clearly?
Do you feel comfortable with the attorney?
Do they listen to you and your concerns?
Does the attorney have a game plan on how to approach your case?

Once you have done your initial research, spoken with a few attorneys in your area, and narrowed down your selection to one or two attorneys, it is time to make the final decision regarding who will represent you. Divorce is one of the most emotional and personal legal processes that one can go through. You should be sure that the attorney you have hired can represent you regardless of the divorce process that you pursue, has years of experience and proven success, and matches well with your personality and values.