the secret about lawyers how to select a divorce lawyer

by Olin Jerde PhD 6 min read

When you meet with an attorney, bring a list of questions regarding your concerns in choosing an attorney as well as your personal concerns in the divorce case. Ask how the law firm bills its clients and ascertain the billing rates for each person who will be working on your case. Most attorneys charge for all time spent in working on your matter.

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How do I select the right divorce attorney?

Ask who will be handling the day-to- day issues of your case, and if it is not the lawyer you interviewed (as is often the case), ask to meet the associate or colleague who will be helping. Some red flags that the person you are interviewing is not the lawyer for you:

What are the money secrets divorce lawyers wish you knew?

Most of the time, divorce lawyers choose to start in this area by working with one or two smaller law firms. Since divorce is a very competitive field, most law firms are staffed by only a couple of attorneys. This naturally leaves a lot of job openings, especially in the small town or city setting. The competition for qualified attorneys can be heightened by the fact that in some cities and …

What should I look for in a divorce lawyer?

Feb 09, 2018 · The misconception about divorce lawyers. Many people entering a divorce are under the false assumption that their divorce lawyer is the leader in dissolving their marriage.

Why should I hire a divorce attorney?

Feb 17, 2022 · In case you are on the lookout for a divorce lawyer who can navigate the appropriate divorce procedure, you will need to have the appropriate one. Listed here are 3 steps that I like to recommend in selecting an lawyer: Ask pals or a circle of relatives member in the event that they know of any excellent legal professionals.

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1. Ask Friends and Family

Ask your friends and family who have gone through a divorce. Find out what they liked and didn’t like about their divorce lawyer. This will give you a general idea of some things to look for in an attorney. Friends and family can also refer you to whomever they used.

2. Call You Local Bar Association

Your local bar association has catalogue of attorneys’ who specialize in divorce and family law. This is a great resource if you don’t know where to start your search. If you live in the greater Pensacola area, contact the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association.

3. Check Out Online Reviews

Online reviews can provide helpful information when selecting a divorce lawyer. Once you’ve gathered a few names of local divorce lawyers, do your research and look them up online. I suggest you check out sites such as google, avvo.com, thumbtack, lawyer.com, and yelp.

4. Meet with the Divorce Lawyer

The purpose of the initial visit is to figure out if you’re a good fit for each other. This is accomplished by discussing your goals and needs. You need a divorce lawyer who can give you an honest assessment of your goals and help you set realistic ones. A good lawyer then develops a strategy to get you there.

5. Shop Around

Don’t settle. If you’re not certain about your decision after your initial visit, then shop around. This is an important decision and should not be rushed. Trust your gut on this one. If something tells you to keep looking, then do so.

What is the goal of divorce?

The goal of your divorce should be to come to a fair settlement while avoiding court. Some attorneys prefer to fight things out in trial, but that method drags out the case and is much more expensive.

Why do lawyers charge more per hour?

Many people think that just because a lawyer charges more per hour that they will get better service and a better settlement. That is not necessarily the case. A higher rate may signify a more experienced attorney, or it could simply mean they primarily practice in a larger market.

Who is Mat Camp?

Mat Camp is a former Lexicon Services Online Editor, who focused on providing a comprehensive look into all aspects of the divorce experience. On MensDivorce.com, he concentrated on issues, such as parenting time, custodial rights, mediation, the division of assets, and so much more.

Do you need to meet with an attorney before you put down a large deposit?

It is vital that you do your homework and actually meet with several attorneys before you put down a large deposit to retain one. Trust is extremely important in the relationship you will develop with your attorney, and you need to meet them to get a feel for that initial first impression.

Can an attorney practice in different states?

Many attorneys are licensed to practice in several different states; however, laws can vary drastically, even at the local level. You want an attorney well-versed with the regulations in your area, as well as a familiar relationship with local judges and officials.

Is it a good idea to talk to someone who has been through divorce?

Despite the ability of researching on the Internet, first-hand accounts are still a really good way to get quality information.

The misconception about divorce lawyers

Many people entering a divorce are under the false assumption that their divorce lawyer is the leader in dissolving their marriage. In reality, you must be the head manager of your divorce, while your lawyer is a key member of your support team.

Accept that you do need a lawyer

Friends and family may urge you to go right to court, but sometimes a divorce doesn’t ever require a trip to the courtroom. Mediation and arbitration are sometimes easier and less expensive ways to end your marriage.

Know what you need before searching

There are many factors to consider when choosing a lawyer to represent you in your divorce.

Look in the right places

Referrals from friends, family, or colleagues can be a good way to start generating a list of potential attorneys. You can also contact your local Bar Association of the American Association of Matrimonial Lawyers ( aaml.org) to research possibilities. Do not use an attorney with any connections to your spouse.

Ask the right questions

It is critical to be prepared when you start interviewing lawyers. You want to be able to accurately and clearly state your needs and the details of your situation. Many lawyers offer a free initial consultation, but make sure you clarify this up front, as some attorneys do bill for this first meeting.

Choose based on qualifications

Remember, you want to choose a lawyer who is qualified, who will give you the attention you need, who fits into your budget, and with whom you feel a good level of understanding and trust.

How to choose a divorce attorney?

There are several things to look for when choosing a divorce attorney. You want to choose someone who is experienced, respected, competent, and affordable. If they are proving to not be a good fit though, change them. Because you can, even if the reason is that you don't get on with him or her. Bear in mind however that if an attorney has worked on your case, you'll have to pay her/him for their time. Also, it might damage your case to change attorney's when you are close to a court ordered deadline, so only do it after careful consideration.

How to start a divorce?

One of the best and simplest ways to do that is to start a divorce file. In this file, keep every bit of paper that could have an effect on how your divorce proceedings. Gather copies of all important financial documents and access to all account information. Keep it organized and easy to navigate.

What is fault based divorce?

Fault-based divorce is when one spouse committed an act that gives legal justification to the ending of the marriage. These acts include adultery, a felony conviction, cruelty, or desertion.

How much does a divorce cost?

Contested divorces cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000, though there are plenty of ways to limit the staunch the outward flow of cash before and during the process.

What does it mean to be uncontested in divorce?

An uncontested divorce means that you and your spouse agree child custody, spousal support, child support, visitation, and division of property. If you find that there is no need to fight over these things, you've already saved yourself thousands of dollars.

Is divorce law firm bigger than solo practice?

In any industry, the larger a company is, the bigger volume it's doing. Divorce law firms are no different, prompting many people to seek a solo practitioner who is more invested in the outcome of your case. Paradoxically, however, if the solo practitioner does not have adequate support staff in his or her office, your case may end up not getting the attention and care you were promised.

What is mediation in divorce?

Mediation is a process whereby you and your spouse sit down with a neutral third party to negotiate several important areas of divorce. It's a low-cost way to address practically any other disagreement you and your spouse may have. While the mediator's decision is not binding, it allows a neutral party to provide their perspective on how divorce related issues should be addressed. However, mediation can only be a useful tool if you and your spouse can come to an broad agreement.

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