When you are facing divorce which could be one of the most difficult times of your life the divorce attorney you choose is critical. Not only could the final outcome be dependent on your lawyer but the process and whether it is smooth or chaotic could also be impacted by the attorney representing you.
Unfortunately, many people do not take enough care in choosing their attorney. Typically someone will turn to the Yellow Pages or a quick Internet search and then will call and contract with the first family lawyer to provide them with a consultation.
When you consider the impact that the final outcome of your divorce may have on your life in the future there’s no question that this is an important decision.
Personal Recommendations
There is a good chance that a number of your coworkers, friends and family have already went through a divorce at some point in their lives. Talk to them about their experience. Find out who represented them and whether they have any recommendations. Ask a lot of questions. You want to go beyond simply asking if they know a good divorce attorney. Find out whether they got the outcome they were looking for. Did the attorney listen to them and were they willing to take the time to thoughtfully address all of their concerns and answer all of their questions. A common complaint about lawyers in general is that they do not have time to genuinely listen and respond to questions.
Professional Referrals
Another good resource is other professionals that you interact with on a regular basis. Check with your insurance agent or your real estate broker if they have any recommendations. Maybe you know a lawyer in another area of expertise such as commercial litigation or personal injury. Ask them if they know any good divorce attorneys.
Online Research
After you have come up with some potential names it is important to do some research before scheduling a consultation. Review their website in detail as well as their Facebook page and other online resources and reviews that come up when you do a web search on their name. After reviewing their information you might want to send an e-mail or submit a contact form through their website with questions you might have prior to a consultation.
Consultation
After you have identified the potential attorney schedule a consultation and ask a lot of questions. Asked about their experience in matrimonial law. Do they handle only family law or do they also handle other types of cases as well? Do they make promises or guarantees that you know they cannot possibly make?
The most important thing is to take your time to find the right lawyer for you and your particular situation. It really can make all the difference.