There are plenty of things to think about when facing a divorce. It may mean changes to where you live, whom you live with and the finances too. It gets even complicated when children are involved to support and care for. And there’s also the emotional part that makes the process overwhelming and difficult.
With so much going on in your mind and in your life, the best thing that you can do for yourself is to get a divorce attorney who’ll help you through all the legal process. Even if you and your ex agree on key issues like who gets the house, the arrangement for any kid, how to go about your money, pensions, and savings, etc. you still will need a lawyer to draw the agreements. The question then becomes, how do you find the right divorce lawyer in the market that seems flooded with options? Here are some tips to help you get started:
Ask for referrals
Divorce can be an awkward conversation to bring up, however, speaking to people within your inner circle, like your family, friends, and coworkers who’ve been through the process can give you a headstart. A first-hand account is an incredible way to get quality information – remember, the people you know aren’t affiliated to any law firms, so, you can count on them to give unbiased information about a firm.
Go for an attorney from your local jurisdiction
While lawyers have permits to work across different states, you want to work with a local divorce attorney that’s from your jurisdiction. Laws can vary drastically. In addition to knowing your area’s regulation, your attorney should also have a familiar relationship with the local officials and judges.
Search the internet
You can also search for divorce attorneys near you online. However, this doesn’t mean that you pick the first lawyer that you lay your eyes on. Take some time to check their platform, read customer testimonials, ask questions and compare books. Don’t forget to read reviews online to find out what other people are saying about them.
Experience
Hiring a divorce lawyer is not all about getting a paper that says you are no longer married; there’s property, kids and shared finances to think about. It’s likely that lots of things are going to change after the divorce, so you need to be clear on what you want the outcome of the divorce process to be. The best way to ensure you get the most from the process is by working with a lawyer who’s got experience in your type of case.
Compare pricing
Don’t assume that a lawyer who charges more per hour offers stellar services. That’s not necessarily true. A higher price may mean more experience, or that they basically practice in a bigger market. Price is a key consideration, but shouldn’t be the determining factor.
Don’t go for a general lawyer
All lawyers can handle the legalities, but you want to work with a family lawyer who specializes in divorce. A specialized divorce lawyer is familiar with every little detail, whether it’s finances, custody, valuation, and distribution, and will be of great help than a general one.
