Divorce Lawyer
If you are facing or contemplating a divorce, it is important to seek the legal advice of a divorce attorney. The best divorce lawyer will educate on the divorce laws in your state and help in reducing the lengthy court process and emotional distress associated with the divorce proceedings. Knowing when to retain a divorce attorney, makes the difference between an amicable break between you and your spouse and a potentially uphill battle.
Here are things must be taken into consideration when hiring a divorce lawyer.
The Attorney’s Experience
Any divorce lawyer that you consider hiring must have substantial experience in handling divorce cases in your area. A divorce lawyer who is experienced knows what to expect from the judges on your case and will use this information to your advantage. It is also important that the lawyer practices primarily family or divorce law.
Communication Ability
Often, most unsatisfied clients with a particular attorney will complain about being unable to communicate with the attorney.
It is essential that your divorce attorney is accessible and prompt in responding to your phone calls, emails and requests for meetings.
Not only should you feel satisfied with the level of interaction but also with the connection you have with the attorney, whether you feel understood and whether through their communication they present themselves as being true advocates.
Testimonials
You can make a decision on the attorney to hire by finding out what their past clients have to say about them. If you do not know anyone who has been a client to that attorney, you can request them for a list of former clients whom you can contact and have them describe their experience with the attorney. It is equally a good idea to call the States Bar Association and ask if there are any complaints filed against your attorney.
The Fees Charged by the Attorney
During your first consultation, make sure that you have inquired about the consultation fee. There are attorneys who will charge a small amount for consultation, but the most experienced ones charge between $100-200 as consultation fees or their usual hourly rates.
Make sure that you find out the attorney’s hourly rates, their up-front retainer, and whether part of the retainer will be refunded if not used, and how often you can expect to receive invoices that show their hourly charges and expenses.
Comfortable with the Lawyer
Another thin that you must consider is whether you are pleased with the attorney and whether you are confident in is abilities. Find out whether the lawyer is genuinely interested in your case and is willing to spend the required time to advocate for you during the divorce.