Divorce lawyers can provide sound legal advice and help you avoid costly mistakes when your marriage ends. The divorce process involves many legal technicalities that can affect your well being (as well as your children's) for many years to come. If you are considering a divorce, or if your spouse has initiated divorce proceedings, the first thing that you need to do is consult a divorce attorney who specializes in family law. Don't take any action that can affect your rights before seeking legal counsel. To protect your best interest, don’t use the same divorce lawyer that your husband has retained.
You can begin your search for a divorce lawyer by seeking referrals through friends and family, your state bar association, or searching for divorce lawyers in the directories found on the internet. One such service is LegalMatch which allows you to present your case, and respond only to attorneys who want to help you. Plus, it's free & confidential. Look for lawyers who are willing to work with you and fight for your rights.
Once you have identified some potential divorce lawyers, you need to set up an interview to get information on how your case will be handled and to see if there is good rapport between you and the lawyer. During this initial meeting, discuss the following topics to help you choose the best lawyer for you.
Questions To Ask
- What is your lawyer's experience? How many divorce cases have they handled? Are they a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers? To belong, divorce lawyers must have practiced family law for at least ten years, and have 75% of his or her practice in this area. Don't be afraid to ask for references.
- What steps are involved in the divorce process?
- How long will the process take? Do they have the time to give your case the attention it deserves?
- Are phone calls to your divorce lawyer encouraged, what are the best times, and how promptly are calls returned. Do they prefer scheduled appointments to discuss your case?
- How much will it cost? Is there a retainer? What things are charged for at an hourly rate? Is a monthly bill sent out?
- How much are the filing fees?
- Will your divorce lawyer or a legal assistant be handling your case? If a legal assistant is involved, what is the hourly rate for their service?
- What is their view on settlement versus litigation? (You don’t want to battle in court if it’s not necessary)
- Ask for a written retainer agreement. This is the contract that states what the divorce lawyer agrees to do for your, and how much you will be billed and how often.
