how to choose the best divorce lawyer

What to look for in a good divorce lawyer?

Aug 05, 2020 · Another important distinction to look for when choosing a lawyer is whether or not they are Board Certified in Marital & Family Law, which is the highest accreditation possible for divorce attorneys. Board Certified marital law attorneys have an additional legal education and training specific to legal separation and divorce law, and will be of particular use for your divorce.

How do I find a good divorce lawyer?

Feb 02, 2014 · Follow these seven steps to find the divorce attorney that's the right fit for you: 1. Be realistic. First, you need to realize that divorce is a legal process with the sole purpose of dissolving your assets and resolving custody issues. Your divorce attorney's job is to represent you to the best of his or her ability in this process.

How to find the best divorce lawyer?

Mar 24, 2022 · It's often difficult for an attorney to provide specific information at your initial meeting. It can certainly be even more difficult trying to predict what a specific outcome will be for your potential divorce proceedings. But there are some common questions that you can ask your potential attorney

How to know if a divorce lawyer is good?

Nov 06, 2019 · Things to Consider When Choosing a Divorce Lawyer. When choosing the best divorce lawyer for you, it’s important to do your due diligence. Speak to friends, relatives, and co-workers for recommendations. Search local listings and contact your local bar association to compile a list of qualified professionals in your area. Make a list of potential divorce lawyers …

What to do before you rush out to hire a divorce attorney?

Before you rush out to hire a divorce attorney, consider other alternatives to traditional litigation. If you aren't completely entangled with children and finances, you could hire a mediator to help you negotiate the terms of your divorce.

What is the cheapest way to get divorced?

Mediation is the fastest, cheapest way to get divorced, and you might not need to hire an attorney at all! If your negotiation is more complicated, you'll have to hire a divorce lawyer to negotiate a settlement with your spouse's attorney. Or you could consider a collaborative divorce.

What is the purpose of divorce?

First, you need to realize that divorce is a legal process with the sole purpose of dissolving your assets and resolving custody issues. Your divorce attorney's job is to represent you to the best of his or her ability in this process.

Who is Laura Miolla?

Laura Miolla is a Separation and Divorce Coach who helps people find clarity, empowerment and confidence in the difficult divorce process. Use coaching to make better decisions in your divorce, achieve better outcomes, and lower the cost.

What is collaborative divorce?

A collaborative divorce is focused on negotiation with the goal of preserving a co-parenting relationship. Your last resort is a litigated trial. Typically, these are the cases when neither side will compromise. So you need to determine what type of divorce attorney you need based on your unique circumstances.

Do attorneys tell you what you want to hear?

Unfortunately, many attorneys will tell you what you want to hear just to close the deal. While this is your life, it's a business for them. There are no guarantees in this process, so if an attorney is making promises, don't believe it.

1. Specific Experience

First, Google “divorce attorney near me” and start making a list of options. Don’t hire the first divorce lawyer you find online, though. Instead, narrow down your options by finding someone with the experience you need.

2. Courtroom Experience

It’s not enough to find a divorce attorney with years of experience in the industry. Make sure they have courtroom experience, too. Some lawyers are apprehensive about going to court.

3. A Strong Track Record

Nearly 747,000 divorces are filed every year. The best divorce lawyer will have a strong track record you can count on. Otherwise, they might struggle to achieve your goals.

4. References and Reviews

Every lawyer will try to convince you that they’re the best divorce attorney in the area. You don’t have to take their word for it. Instead, ask for references and reviews.

5. Confidence in Your Case

Schedule a consultation appointment with at least three lawyers on your list. Then, discuss the specifics of your case.

6. No Red Flags

Keep an eye out for potential red flags when vetting the lawyers on your list.

7. The Right Fee Structure

Ask at least three divorce attorneys on your list for a copy of their contract. Consider each lawyer’s fee structure, too. Can you afford their help?

Why is the internet important for divorce?

The internet is best used for gathering information and validating referrals. If someone gives you the name of a divorce lawyer whose website looks like it hasn't been updated since Al Gore invented the internet (or worse, who doesn't have a website at all!), that is NOT a good sign.

Is a lawyer rating agency infallible?

Take lawyer ratings with a grain of salt. Lawyer rating agencies are not infallible. A lawyer who chooses not to advertise, or participate in a particular rating site's program, may end up being rated poorly, even though s/he may be an amazing lawyer.

Expert Q&A

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Tips

Even though you hired an attorney, you can fire him or her at any time and for any reason. Consider firing your attorney for doing any of the following:

Warnings

This article offers legal information, but it is not intended as legal advice.

About This Article

This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013. This article has been viewed 127,717 times.