What Your Divorce Attorney Should Know

Trying to get through the emotional and difficult process of a divorce on your own is probably not going to be beneficial for you. Hiring a divorce lawyer in Shelby Township MI is a good alternative so you get a knowledgeable professional on your side who understands the law, but how do you make sure you get a good attorney? Here are a few things a qualified divorce attorney should know.

First, he or she should have a thorough understanding of family law or divorce law, especially as it pertains to important things like custody of children (if that is applicable in your case). Since the laws can be different from one state to another, it’s a good idea to find someone who has been practicing family law in your area for a long time.

He or she should also be familiar with tax codes and tax laws, especially related to property division and alimony. Most divorces will involve the division of property and assets between the former husband and wife, so you want someone who knows how the current law relates to division of property in order to give you the best chance of getting your fair share.

If you have assets to divide like a house, an attorney with some experience and understanding of real estate would be helpful, particularly if you will be selling a home at a loss due to a difficult real estate market. This is also true if you or your spouse has a business or other commercial property, because this will likely play a factor in the case.

Although a divorce lawyer in Shelby Township MI cannot be expected to be an expert in every field, some exposure to businesses, business partnerships, and other medical or dental professions could also be helpful if you are dealing with dividing up a small business or you or your spouse is in a medical profession with a private practice.

Finding an attorney who is familiar with the judges in family court can also be helpful. This is not because he or she would be able to unfairly influence the proceedings, instead it is so that he or she can provide you with helpful tips for how to present your case, or what things specific judges find important.

Finally, you want to have an attorney who is a good listener and also good at negotiating. Divorces are an exercise in compromise, determining how a previously united couple is going to go their separate ways in the most harmonious fashion possible. A divorce lawyer in Shelby Township MI who can help facilitate a smooth transition is best.