Top 5 Things to Consider When Hiring a Divorce Attorney
All you have heard about divorce proceedings is true. It is a tough time for both individuals. However, the difficult days ahead can be much better if you have the best divorce attorney. With proper guidance, you can avoid the pitfalls of making mistakes and suffering delays that can prolong the process. I am sure you want it over and done with as quickly as possible. This is why you need to know how to choose and hire a good divorce attorney. First, let’s talk about the divorce process briefly.
You need to decide where to file for divorce. With the help of an experienced divorce attorney, you can make this decision easily. Your divorce attorney is also going to advise you about the documents needed for the divorce proceedings. There is also the aspect of drafting a petition, filing with the clerk and notifying the other individual of your intention to initiate divorce proceedings.
In cases where you have been in a long-term marriage, there may be children and multiple assets. You need the services of the best divorce attorney who can look out for your interests. This is important because after the divorce you need to get a fair share to live and sustain yourself.
At this point, I am sure you realize the need for an experienced divorce attorney, now, these are the top five things to consider before hiring a divorce attorney;
Are they licensed to practice?
You need the best representation during the divorce proceedings. This means you should start the ‘journey’ with a divorce attorney who has the recommended credentials to practice in the location you will be filing for a divorce. This helps your case because using licensed attorneys means they know more about the divorce laws and legal clauses that apply in that state or region. The attorney can leverage this information to help you.
Legal reputation
There are outstanding divorce attorneys who have a glowing reputation for helping people achieve their objectives during a divorce. This is the type of attorney you need. Find out their experience and how successful they have been while handling divorce cases similar to yours. If they have performed excellently in the past cases, chances are you are going to be satisfied at the end of the divorce proceedings. These cases can go in any direction, requiring expertise in diverse areas of the law, depending on the case. Using the services of an experienced divorce attorney gives an assurance that they are knowledgeable of these potential changes and can handle the case.
Read the reviews
There is a lot of information piled up in reviews. You should research and read reviews from other clients who have used the divorce attorneys’ services in the past. On the other hand, ask the attorney for a reference. If they are happy to give you the contact information of some previous clients, you may have just found a good attorney to handle your case. The information you gather from the reviews and interaction with past clients will help you determine if the divorce attorney has the personality of a professional who looks out for the best interests of their clients.
Attitude towards communication
The best divorce attorneys are excellent communicators. The attorney handling your divorce case should be interested in scheduling a meeting before you use their services. During this meeting, they should be able to listen and understand why you need a divorce. Good divorce attorneys are also very patient. After listening to what you have to say the next thing to do is tell you the options. Your attorney should be able to explain the options related to your particular case and honestly portray the different ways the divorce proceeding can end. It is also important to confirm that they are interested in frequently communicating with you throughout the divorce proceedings. It will be a shame and quite uncomfortable to be unaware of your divorce attorneys’ plans while the case is being heard in court.
How affordable are the services?
Transparency is a key factor that should be considered before you hire a divorce attorney. Divorce attorneys require consultation fees, and scheduled payments which are usually by the hour. It is important that your divorce attorney clearly highlight how your bills will be calculated. With this information, you can determine if they are affordable. It is also essential to clarify the billing information you have received to ensure you don’t receive invoices for hidden fees that were not clearly specified. To avoid disputes, the attorney should clearly explain the payment structure to you before signing the agreement regarding fees.
In conclusion, you need the best divorce attorney who shows empathy for your case and is trial ready to aggressively defend your interests in court.
With us, you will never be alone. At our firm, experienced divorce attorneys are trial ready; you are assured of the best legal representation that convincingly argues on your behalf. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.