questions to ask when hiring a divorce lawyer

by Gerald Waelchi 7 min read

13 Questions to ask a divorce lawyer to help determine if they are a good fit for you:

  • 1. Are you supportive of the mediation process? While it may seem counter-intuitive to ask a lawyer this question if your spouse isn’t amenable to ...
  • 2. Will there be other people working on my case?
  • 3. Who will be my lawyer?
  • 4. Do you know the attorney my spouse hired? What do you think of them?
  • 5. Are you familiar with the local family court judges?

Full Answer

What qualities make a good divorce attorney?

Communication File security and access References and reviews Delegation of responsibility Cost of divorce Reasonable expectations Your living arrangements Temporary orders Child custody and parenting time Spousal support Child support Attorney's fees requests Divorce process Community and separate property Contested versus uncontested issues

Can anyone recommend a good divorce lawyer?

13 Questions to ask a divorce lawyer to help determine if they are a good fit for you: 1. Are you supportive of the mediation process? While it may seem counter-intuitive to ask a lawyer this question if your spouse isn’t amenable to mediating, it can tell you a lot about how they approach the divorce process.

Is a divorce attorney really the answer?

What are the best questions to ask a lawyer?

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What to do if you are financially dependent on your ex?

If you are financially dependent on your soon-to-be-ex, you may want to consider finding a lawyer who will petition the court for your spouse to pay for their services. This essentially means you have a fair trial or collaborative divorce. 25 of 26.

What happens if your primary lawyer isn't the only attorney working on your case?

If your primary lawyer isn't the only attorney working on your case, you may also be paying for other associates' time. While this is quite common, knowing what you're paying for may ease your mind a bit. 20 of 26.

What is collaborative divorce?

A collaborative divorce could end with you and your ex on good enough terms to be friendly with one another. While keeping your divorce out of the courts may sound ideal, you may need to take it to trial.

What does a divorce mediator do?

As a divorce mediator, she provides clients with strategies and resources that enable them to power through a time of adversity. Divorce is a huge step, and how it's handled can have lasting impacts on the rest of your life. No matter which side you're on, it's wise to seek experienced legal representation.

Do lawyers charge by the hour?

Like tutors and therapists, most lawyers charge by the hour, so make sure you know what you're getting into financially before signing anything. You may be able to comfortably pay for the retainer fee, but not the hourly rate, so make sure you ask for a total cost breakdown. 19 of 26.

Is divorce a big step?

Divorce is a huge step, and how it's handled can have lasting impacts on the rest of your life. No matter which side you're on, it's wise to seek experienced legal representation. If you've never been divorced before, the process may feel scary and uncomfortable, so before hiring a divorce attorney, you should do your research to ensure you're ...

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