Hiring the right divorce lawyer is imperative because it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. The multiple ramifications of your choice will be both important and long lasting. Of course, finding a good divorce lawyer is a lot easier said than done. Fortunately, there are ways of making the task less difficult. Here are some of the best ideas you can use to ensure that you choose the right attorney for your divorce.
Tip #1: Get an Outside Professional
Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid hiring a friend or relative, no matter how qualified. They are likely to have too much invested in their relationship with you or your spouse to be able to objectively pursue your best interests.
Tip #2: Hire a Lawyer Who is Candid About Costs
Find an attorney who will be honest and upfront about how much your divorce is going to cost you. A lawyer who hems and haws or changes the subject when you ask about fees should be marked off your list immediately.
Tip #3: Have a Written List of Questions About Your Case
Have a list of specific questions ready when you first talk to a potential divorce attorney. Find out if the person you’re talking to will be representing you, or if an associate will be handling your case. Inquire about how much experience they have in divorce cases, and ask them for an honest assessment of your case. Don’t let the lawyer squirm out of answering these and other questions, because you need this information to help you make your choice.
Tip #4: Don’t Waste Your Time on a “Free Consultation.”
Beware of offers for a free consultation. Sometimes these are legitimate, but often they are thinly disguised sales pitches. The best quality lawyers will charge at least a nominal fee for a consultation.
Tip #5: Get Recommendations From Divorced Friends
Get recommendations from friends or coworkers who have been divorced recently. They may have a positive view of the lawyer they hired or they may be very dissatisfied. In either case, their opinion can be quite helpful.
Tip #6: Avoid the Hyper-Aggressive Lawyer
Don’t hire any lawyer who offers to make your spouse’s future life miserable. You’re seeking a divorce, not a starring role in a revenge fantasy.
Tip #7: Interview Multiple Lawyer Candidates
Last but not least, be sure to interview several candidates before making your final decision. You may wind up choosing the first divorce lawyer you interview, but compare them to several others before making your choice.
About the Author
Scott Morgan is a board certified family law attorney in Texas. The Morgan Law Firm has offices in Katy and Houston. You can see more of his writings on the firm’s google+ page.
Scott Morgan
Latest posts by Scott Morgan (see all)
- 7 Tips on Hiring a Divorce Lawyer - December 29, 2012
One reply on “7 Tips on Hiring a Divorce Lawyer”
This was such a helpful place to see the tips for getting a good divorce attorney! I’m aiding my sister with getting a lawyer for her case. She really needs somebody willing to fight for her case just like her husbands lawyer.
Celine | http://www.sarahjliddylaw.com/about-us