how to pick best divorce lawyer

How to Pick the Best Divorce Attorney: 5 Top Tips

• Pick a Reliable Lawyer. Divorces and civil dissolutions can go through numerous stages, many of which not being as amicable as the other.
• Conduct Research. Instead of picking the first divorce lawyer you see, it’s advised that you conduct research into attorneys in your area first.
• Establish a Strong Relationship. ...
• Know the Costs. ...
• Stay Focused. ...

Full Answer

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 to choose the best divorce lawyer?

Conduct Research Instead of picking the first divorce lawyer you see, it’s advised that you conduct research into attorneys in your area first. Finding out what others have to say about their experience and reading online reviews can give you a better indication of whether the divorce lawyer is right for you.

How do I find a good divorce lawyer?

Mar 09, 2022 · You should find a good divorce lawyer in the first place because you will have to pay a lot of money for a good divorce lawyer. A good divorce lawyer will help you with the legal procedures. A good divorce lawyer will take care of all the legal procedures. You will not have to worry about anything as long as you have a good divorce lawyer. Formerly, divorce was …

How to find the best divorce lawyer?

Jun 28, 2021 · 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. Speak with some of their recent divorce clients. Ask each client about their experience working with that lawyer. Did the lawyer accomplish the client’s goals?

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 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.

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.

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.

Pick a Reliable Lawyer

Divorces and civil dissolutions can go through numerous stages, many of which not being as amicable as the other. What may seem straightforward at first could end up being complex later down the line, so it’s important that you pick a reliable and reputable lawyer that is accessible as and when you need them.

Conduct Research

Instead of picking the first divorce lawyer you see, it’s advised that you conduct research into attorneys in your area first. Finding out what others have to say about their experience and reading online reviews can give you a better indication of whether the divorce lawyer is right for you.

Establish a Strong Relationship

When going for your first consultation with your divorce lawyer, it’s best to use this opportunity as a way to get to know them on a professional and personal level. Don’t be afraid to open up about your needs, and any questions that you need addressing.

Know the Costs

Before making your final decision, it’s advised to get a good idea of how much their legal services will cost you. While some lawyers may charge by the hour, others may bill in intervals or once the proceedings have finished, so it’s important that you create a budget that helps you spend within your means.

Stay Focused

Although going through the divorce process will take its toll emotionally, it’s best not to bring any ill feelings into your negotiations. Acting out of character and being angry will make your divorce or dissolution more difficult, longer, and potentially more expensive.

How many divorce lawyers are there in the US in 2021?

Filing for a divorce is stressful enough. You shouldn’t have to feel stressed when searching for a divorce lawyer, too. In fact, there are now over 74,000 divorce lawyers in the US. You need a way to narrow down your options. Otherwise, you might choose a lawyer who lacks the experience you need.

Can I find a divorce attorney?

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. They might accept a deal or settle your case out of court to avoid going to trial.

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 128,883 times.

Good Referral Sources

Many people find a divorce lawyer through a professional’s recommendation. Clergy, therapists, and marriage counselors may all be able to suggest divorce attorneys.

Your First Meeting

When you’re with a divorce attorney for the first time, he or she will ask you for some background information about your situation. You should be told, briefly, how the laws work in your state and what that will mean for your own case. The divorce lawyer can also tell you which court will handle your case.

Fees and Billing

During this first consultation, the lawyer should also explain his or her fees. Does she take a retainer — a lump-sum payment — up front? That practice is common. As the lawyer works on your case, she subtracts an amount equal to her hourly rate from the sum you have prepaid.

A Look at Legal Styles

There are as many different legal styles as there are divorce attorneys. Some family attorneys are tough and aggressive and give you an immediate feeling of confidence or dislike, depending on your perspective. Others seem too nice or too soft-spoken, and you can’t imagine them standing up to your spouse, let alone a judge.

How to Interview a Lawyer

What exactly do you need to know before you hire a divorce lawyer? Here are some questions to ask before you write a retainer check or sign on the dotted line.

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.

Why are lawyers banned from rating websites?

Another complicating factor is that, due to ethical restrictions, lawyers in some states are prohibited from participating in legal rating websites. Finally, you need to remember that people going through a divorce are not happy. Sometimes, even if a lawyer does an outstanding job for them, those people complain.

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.