Divorces are rarely easy. Even planning for one can be harrowing for both the parties even if the divorce is by mutual consent. Imagine the stress when there are finances to be divided, custody battles to be fought, or other things to be handled for the divorce!
But the right divorce lawyer by your side can make these things easier. Sound legal counsel is irreplaceable, especially for divorce cases. So, it is important to hire the right professional to legally represent you.
Here’s how to find the right divorce lawyer for you.
Perform adequate research
You simply cannot hire a divorce lawyer without sufficient research on your part. Focus on finding a local lawyer as divorce laws (or parts of it) may vary from state to state. Perform online searches to find the names of divorce lawyers in your town or city. Use keywords with your requirements and location to help with your search. For instance, use divorce lawyers in Austin (if you are looking for one in this city).
Compile a list of the law firms you find on the web. Check their websites to know more about their range of services. You can also cross-reference these names against any referrals you have received from your friends or family.
But it is best to not skip on the research part that you are planning to handle on your own.
Focus on your divorce goals
Keep your divorce goals in mind when checking the websites of the law firms. Divorce attorneys can cover a number of aspects involved in divorces. But not all divorce attorneys may offer all the services. So, if your divorce involves extensive property division, spousal support, custody, or anything else; see to it that the attorney you hire has extensive experience in that area of practice. Refrain from hiring a lawyer who handles only 1-2 divorce cases in a year.
Also, check the experience levels of attorneys when you have identified a few who offer the services you want for your divorce case. If you want a lawyer to protect your property during the divorce, you need an experienced professional who has successfully handled similar cases. You can choose reputed lawyers who specialize in all aspects of family law with a special focus on divorce matters.
Identify one or two lawyers who fit the bill when it comes to your divorce case.
Book your free consultations
Most law firms offer free consultations to their clients to facilitate free discussions before the final hiring by the clients. Utilize such sessions to get to know an attorney before you hire them. Use the consulting time to discuss your case freely with the attorney. Don’t hold back on providing the details. It will help the attorney to provide you with proper details about the ways they can handle your case.
Don’t be shy about asking the lawyers questions about their experience and how they can help you. Inquire about their fee too. After all; you need to choose an attorney whose services you can afford to hire.
Ensure that you consult with at least two attorneys if not more before hiring one. During these case evaluation sessions, you will get a clear idea about your connection with the lawyers. Who do you think understood your case the best? Are you looking for a ruthless lawyer who can rip the other party apart (if needed)? Do you need an attorney who will be sensitive to your situation and handle the case accordingly?
You can assess the connection with an attorney only after a face-to-face meeting.
Assess the Collected Information
Take a few days to assess the information you have collected from your research and the consulting sessions. Choose a lawyer who fits the bill for you in terms of the services offered, understanding of your case, and the fee.
When it comes to divorce cases, it is best to take some time to hire the best attorney for you. Even a slight miscalculation of the situation on your lawyer’s part can damage your case.
Hire the Lawyer
Once you are sure about which lawyer to hire, do so before the lawyer takes on another case and is no longer available to accept your case.
