As if filing for divorce weren’t traumatic enough, there’s then the hassle of finding a divorce lawyer. Knowing what questions to ask can help to simplify the process.
Getting a divorce can be one of the most emotionally trying events in a person’s life,
and while nothing can totally ease the pain of losing a partner and a lifestyle, having a lawyer who is both competent and compassionate can make the process smoother and more bearable for everyone involved.
One of the best resources available when it comes to locating a divorce lawyer is other people. If you have friends or family members who have been through a divorce, talk to them about the lawyer they selected to represent them. Ask if there were any attorneys that they considered, but later rejected, and why they chose to delete them as potential candidates. If you have worked with a certain lawyer or law firm in the past, contact them, explain your need and find out if they might be able to represent you. If they can’t, ask if they will refer you to someone who can.
Check with the county or state bar association, also. Sometimes, they will provide referral programs. If such a program is available, you will most likely be referred to a divorce lawyer who practices in your area. While you’re searching, begin making a list of what qualities you would prefer your attorney to have. Do you feel that you would do best with a male lawyer, or a female? Do you have a preference in regards to age? Are you looking to have your case settled, or do you intend to fight until the end? Also, remember to take the financial aspect of the process into account. Can you afford someone who will charge by the hour for his services, or would a flat rate lawyer be a better fit for your budget? Will you be charged for consultations that happen by phone, or travel time if your case requires it? If so, how much are the fees? Many things go into selecting the perfect match, so don’t take your decision lightly.
Once you have located several potential candidates, set up a time to meet briefly with each of them, to determine the best fit for your needs. If you can’t meet with the lawyer directly, ask to visit her office. Take note of how the staff responds to you, as you will most likely be dealing with them for a good part of the divorce process. Are they pleasant and courteous? Do they seem helpful? Are they reasonably well-organized and knowledgeable? When you meet with the attorney, find out how much experience he has by asking about the number of divorce cases he has worked on. This is particularly important in cases that involve a significant amount of property or other assets, and in cases where custody of the children might be contested.
This is also a good time to ask each candidate to provide the names of one or two of their previous clients as references, but keep in mind that permission will have to be given by the former clients first. You can also check with the state Supreme Court office to find out more about your candidate, including whether any disciplinary action has been taken against him.
After you have decided on a divorce lawyer to represent you, find out about her fees, as well as any additional costs that you might be expected to cover, such as copying or faxing documents , or postage for sending items to the office. Ask what sort of outcome she is anticipating, based on the circumstances of your case. Find out how often you can expect to hear from your attorney, and who is authorized to handle emergencies and other important questions in case she cannot be reached. By having all your bases covered, selecting a divorce lawyer should be the easiest part of the process.
