Choosing Between Divorce Lawyers

Posted by Divorce Network, February 2010

 

One process that every potential divorcee must go through is making their way through all of divorce lawyers  out there, and finding the one that is right for them. This is an important decision to make, because once you hire a certain divorce lawyer, it’s pretty hard to switch to another one in the middle of a case.

It can also be difficult to know where to start, but there are a few qualities to look for that indicate that a particular divorce lawyer will be good at meeting your needs. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Look for a divorce lawyer that is upfront about payment procedures and retainer fees. Be sure that you get any agreement in writing before you hire a lawyer or pay this fee, as sometimes it can be quite high, as well as non-refundable.

• The best divorce lawyers are the ones who specialize in divorce law. They usually have plenty of experience in the field, and know the ins and outs of working with clients to get what they need.

• If you’re curious about a divorce lawyer’s qualifications, ask that lawyer about his or her education. A good lawyer should not only have a certification in divorce law, but should also have a few continuing legal education courses under their belt.

• Of course, not everything is about education and qualifications. It’s also very important that you get along well with your divorce lawyer and are able to communicate your needs to him or her. Remember, this is the person responsible for negotiating all of your money and assets, so they need to be someone you feel very comfortable with.

• Get in touch with your local courthouse if you are having difficulty finding a lawyer. If you want to see a divorce lawyer in action, simply call a judge’s clerk and request to know when the next divorce hearing will be. You can then sit in on the proceedings and see how a particular lawyer operates.

• Another great resource for finding divorce lawyers is your local or state bar association. Contact either of these offices to obtain a list of lawyers that specialize in divorce law.

• Be sure to schedule at least three consultations with good divorce lawyers in your area. This will give you more options to choose from, and also allow you to find the best fit for your case.

• Ask your lawyer plenty of questions during your consultation regarding divorce law proceedings. This can help you get an idea of his or her knowledge base on the subject.

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