what to look for in a divorce lawyer

What to Look For In a Divorce Attorney

1. Experience. It is imperative that you settle for a lawyer who is well acquainted with family law and divorce...
2. Client Testimonials. A qualified family law attorney will have many successful cases they have handled in the past.
3. Litigation Success. Divorce lawyers’ record of success in litigated divorce cases is an essential...

Full Answer

How do I find a good divorce attorney?

Compassion, hard-working, experienced are some of the qualities of a divorce lawyer that can help you get what you want out of your marriage’s dissolution so that you can focus on beginning the rest of your life. References Want to have a happier, healthier marriage?

What should be on your divorce attorney checklist?

How To Find A New Divorce Lawyer Ensure The Lawyer Specializes In your Case Category. Getting a divorce is a serious matter and working with the right... Don’t Share a Lawyer with Your Spouse. Even if you came to a mutual agreement to get a divorce, hiring one lawyer for... Selecting the Right Fit ...

What should I expect from my divorce attorney?

What to Look For in a Divorce Lawyer - How to Choose Wisely. With the changes in family law over the last 30 years, including the adoption of equitable distribution in place of the old common-law rules, the adoption of laws protecting military spouses, and the adoption of support guidelines and various local rules promulgated within the various circuits, the area of …

What kind of lawyer do I need for a divorce?

Be able to say, in 25 words or less, what the issues are. Attorneys like brevity, and charge (a lot) for chatterboxes. Interview different attorneys and look for someone who thinks linearly. You have a goal and if you end up in a "process", you will come out …

What qualities make a good divorce attorney?

When looking to hire an attorney to represent you in your divorce, you should look for someone with the following qualities: ... · A Top-Notch Communicator. ... · Available. ... · Equipped with Sufficient Resource. ... · In Control and Composed (Even When Under Pressure) ... · Pro-Negotiation. ... · Strategic. ... · Confident & Strong.More items...

How do I choose a divorce lawyer?

How to Choose a Divorce LawyerStep 1: Understand What Your Divorce Lawyer Does. ... Step 2: Set Realistic Expectations for Your Lawyer's Role. ... Step 3: Decide What Kind of Divorce Process You Need. ... Step 4: Consider Your Budget. ... Step 5: Do Some Online Research. ... Step 6: Talk to Family and Friends.More items...

What are the five stages of divorce?

There are two processes in divorce. The emotional process can be broken down into 5 stages: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.

What to ask yourself before getting divorced?

Questions to Ask Yourself Before You DivorceWhat Has Gotten You to the Point Where Divorce Is the Option?What Have You Done to Try to Fix the Problems?What Will the Impact Be on Your Children?What Were the Best Times in Your Relationship?Sep 21, 2020

How much does a divorce cost?

The median cost of a divorce is $7,500. An uncontested divorce or one with no major contested issues costs, on average, $4,100. Disputes over child support, child custody, and alimony raise the average cost of a divorce significantly. Divorces that go to trial on two or more issues cost, on average, $23,300.Nov 16, 2020

How do you know it's time for a divorce?

10 Signs That It's Time to DivorceYou No Longer Communicate with Your Spouse. ... Your Marriage Lacks Intimacy. ... One Spouse Is Causing Financial Hardship. ... The Relationship Isn't a Top Priority. ... You Aren't Willing to Argue with Your Spouse. ... Opinions Concerning Children Greatly Differ. ... You Don't Feel Respected by Your Partner.More items...•Apr 23, 2021

What can be used against you in a divorce?

Spending marital money on extramarital affairs. Transferring marital funds to another person before a separation. Spending unreasonable amounts on business expenditures. Selling marital assets below the market value.Jan 22, 2021

What is the most important stage of divorce?

The most important stage he's identified may be the transition. While healing is the final stage and the ultimate goal, how long it takes to get to healing, and how smooth the path is, can depend on what route a couple takes in determining how it will divorce.Jul 5, 2016

1. Experience and Specializations

At the top of your divorce attorney checklist should be finding an attorney who has experience in family law and specializes in divorce cases similar to yours.

2. Fee Structure

The fees of divorce attorneys can vary greatly as well as the way they charge. Some attorneys charge by hourly rate, and many may ask for a retainer (an upfront fee to be paid in advance). Other divorce attorneys negotiate fees based on the anticipated settlement figure. It’s important to be realistic about what you can afford.

3. Reputation

You can find recommendations for divorce attorneys by utilizing your network. As well as asking family and friends and checking online reviews, you can also ask accountants, psychologists, and other lawyers. These professionals often work closely with divorce attorneys and are likely to know who is trustworthy.

4. Personal Compatibility

You need to feel comfortable with the attorney you hire, as you’ll need to share personal details of your life and marriage with this person throughout the divorce process. So, if you don’t feel comfortable opening up to this person, you should hire someone else.

How does conflict affect divorce?

The amount of conflict in the divorce process will have a huge impact on how your divorce plays out. Divorce cases that have high conflict couples may end up taking years to be fully decided, and you will likely need to go to court to get a final decision.

Is family law important?

Balancing the amount of legal assistance you need and the cost of those services should be a serious consideration. Family law issues are important, and they will often affect you for the rest of your life. That means that failing to spend a bit more on a lawyer now can end up haunting you for years to come.

Is an attorney a therapist?

Although some lawyers are great at listening to why the divorce happened and addressing some of your emotional problems, please understand that dealing with your pain, anger, sadness, or frustration with your soon-to-be-ex-spouse is not their role. An attorney is not a therapist, family member, or divorce coach.

Do you need a lawyer for divorce?

Choosing the right lawyer for your divorce can feel a bit overwhelming. There are lots of attorneys, but they are definitely not all the same. Some do not practice family law at all, so you certainly do not want someone inexperienced to help with your case. Others may be too aggressive or not aggressive enough for what you need.

Why is it important to hire a divorce attorney?

Hiring a divorce attorney is often one of the first steps any person seeking a divorce will perform, and it is easily the most important, as their guiding hand can help make every subsequent step that much easier. Once you have planned to acquire an attorney’s services, your first big decision is which attorney to choose and why.

What is the marriage.com course?

If you feel disconnected or frustrated about the state of your marriage but want to avoid separation and/or divorce, the marriage.com course meant for married couples is an excellent resource to help you overcome the most challenging aspects of being married.

Why do couples split up?

There are many different reasons why couples decide to split up formally. Sometimes this decision is amicable. Other times, this decision creates great hostility. Sometimes, there are many assets, or even children, that need to be factored into the equation; sometimes there aren’t.

Can a divorce lawyer help you?

Going through a divorce is a painful event, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Compassion, hard-working, experienced are some of the qualities of a divorce lawyer that can help you get what you want out of your marriage’s dissolution so that you can focus on beginning the rest of your life.

Is divorce painful?

Deciding to divorce your spouse could be one of the most stressful and painful moments in a person’s life. The strong emotions that often accompany it can make going through the often complex divorce process feel like an insurmountable weight has been placed on your chest.

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.

The Generalist Lawyer

As described, this lawyer doesn’t focus exclusively on family law or divorces. While some will be good enough to assist you with basic family law matters, they aren’t going to be familiar with the intricacies and minute details of divorce law inside of Appellate Courts.

The Destroyer Lawyer

This is the lawyer people often describe as a shark or attack dog. They have a list of court cases in which they’ve obliterated the other side and come out on top. Generally, they will avoid using tactics like mediation or collaborative settlement… until the other side is literally begging.

The Maven Lawyer

These lawyers usually have a narrow and pointed angle or approach and often only represent one gender. They like to claim the Court treats their clients unfairly and only they have the experience needed to battle against it.

The Super Star Lawyer

Every town has a “top” divorce lawyer. They drive shiny cars, work in fancy buildings, and charge upwards of $500 an hour for their service. Is their reputation deserved? Yes. Are there other lawyers who can represent you just as well for a fraction of the cost? Possibly.

The Steady Hand Lawyer

Finally, when it comes to family law, over ninety percent of cases will settle before ever reaching the courtroom. This lawyer will work hard to gather all of the facts up front and identify any sticking points right off the bat.

How Should I Proceed to Find a Divorce Lawyer?

Still have questions? You don’t have to wait to find answers about how to find a Cumming divorce lawyer that’s right for you. Call (770) 475-2521 to contact the Reeder Law Firm now, and get help today.

What information is needed to file a student loan?

Include all information such as balances owed, interest rate, payment schedule and the school, and what period of time you or your spouse received the loan.

What is an exhibit A on a grant deed?

Copy of the current Grant Deed (s) with Exhibit “A” (legal description) on each property that shows how title is held (if the title has been changed, provide copies of all deeds from the time of acquisition). The Deed of Trust or Note is not needed.

Who is Jason Crowley?

Jason Crowley is a divorce financial strategist, personal finance expert, and entrepreneur. Jason is the managing partner of Divorce Capital Planning, co-founder of Divorce Mortgage Advisors, and founder of Survive Divorce.

Do you need a financial analyst for divorce?

Depending on the complexity of your divorce, you may need a lot of documentation to give to your lawyer or Certified Divorce Financial Analyst . The more organized you are upfront will not only save you time and stress, but it will also save you money as well.

Do you have to disclose your finances during divorce?

If you’re in the dark about your finances, that’s okay. You and your spouse will be required to complete financial affidavits (disclosures) as part of the divorce process. The goal at this point is simply to begin identifying the puzzle pieces.