What to Look for in a Divorce Lawyer
Divorce, a process often laden with emotional turbulence and financial complexities, necessitates a reliable and skilled attorney by your side. In your pursuit of a capable divorce lawyer, there are five crucial secrets to uncover. These revelations will not only help you navigate the intricate world of divorce law, but also empower you to make informed decisions that align with your best interests.
Here are my five Secrets to help you find the best possible divorce attorney:
Secret #1 In Divorce, everything takes Longer and Costs More
Forget the idea that it will be over quickly. Or you will pay for your illusion.
Your divorce will cost more money and take a longer time to settle than you ever imagined. Before you can get your life back, the process takes one to two years (or more, sorry). Be prepared for this.
Even simple divorces that both parties thought would take only six months.
The cost can range from several hundred dollars (not in your case) to several thousand (or millions, Ouch).
Secret #2 Forget about how the court system will protect your rights and meet your needs
Don’t make such a guess. You’re the one who has to decide your divorce because you’re the one who has to live with them.
Fight the urge, you may have to surrender your will and be intimidated by a lawyer. You should be the one who decides what you feel comfortable doing about your legal and financial affairs. You’re hiring the lawyer to perform a service for you; shop around if the price or personality isn’t right.
Secret #3 Know what you don’t want
Can You Really Find CHEAP DIVORCE LAWYERS (on the Web)?
Nowadays, you can easily get a divorce attorney with a quick Google search or look out the window of your office at the ad on the billboard across the street. There are many, many cheap divorce lawyers promoting themselves. You must understand, there are many risks involved in hiring cheap divorce lawyers.
Okay. Let’s examine what “cheap” means. Do you mean that you want to hire a divorce lawyer to handle a divorce without paying a lot of legal fees; or do you mean that you don’t want to lose half of your personal wealth in a divorce? Believe me, this is an important difference, not just the part of hiring a cheap divorce lawyer. Ending a marriage with no assets or huge debts is the hard way to learn about divorce. Your lessons do not have to be so costly.
Let’s remove the types of lawyers you don’t want:
- The glamorous and expensive one who is ready to advocate for his client, but forwards his case of a recent law graduate who works in the luxuriant office.
- The fancy associate or partner at a giant law firm that represents big businesses. These lawyers charge high fees, and few know much about divorce cases or keeping costs down.
- The one who won’t keep you informed about plans for your case and who wants to make all decisions without consulting you. These lawyers are annoyed—and intimidated—by clients who know anything about the law. What they want is a passive client who doesn’t ask a lot of questions and pays the bill on time each month.
Secret #4 Know what you are looking for The Divorce Lawyer of Your Dreams
That One must be yours
What you want is a dedicated, smart, competent One who regularly handles family law and divorce stuff. Make sure about his past clientele and his work.
The lawyer should understand that your input must be sought for every decision.
You must be as comfortable as possible with the lawyer you hire. Feel free to ask some specific questions. Do you get clear and concise answers? If the lawyer admits to not knowing an answer, that isn’t necessarily bad. In most cases, the lawyer must do some research.
But if the lawyer says little except to suggest that he or she handle the problem (with a substantial fee) – watch out.
Remember, If you want to save money hiring lawyers, you must be prepared for your divorcing process and know more about it than the average person. Don’t be a passive client, go and hire a lawyer who wants you to be one.
Secret # 5 Do your Homework
File the Divorce Papers Yourself
Once again, you do not need a lawyer to do that for you.
You can get a cheaper divorce just by doing this one step. Simply go online and get the proper legal forms your state requires, fill them correctly and honestly, get them notarized, and file them in good time along with anything else that’s required, at the address they tell you.
Take your instructions on how to fill in the forms correctly. Now, you really didn’t need to pay someone to do what you did!
Once you find a lawyer you like, make an hour-long appointment. You must be well prepared. Find out everything about your mutual assets, loans, savings, insurance policies, and possible pension plans.
Discuss your situation fully. Your goal at the first call is to learn what the lawyer recommends and how much it will cost. Go home and think about the lawyer’s suggestions. If they don’t make perfect sense or if you have other concerns, call someone else. By the way, pay attention to your own intuition. Don’t ask me how it goes, but it does.
In the end, remember that the lawyer works for you. Once you hire a lawyer, you have the absolute right to move on to another lawyer (or to fire the lawyer and deal with the matter yourself) at any time, for any reason.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Choosing a Divorce Lawyer
Question: Why is it essential to hire a divorce lawyer?
A divorce lawyer can provide valuable legal expertise, negotiate on your behalf, ensure your rights are protected, and help you navigate the complex legal process of divorce.
Question: How do I know if I need a divorce lawyer?
If you are considering divorce and anticipate any legal complications, it’s advisable to consult with a divorce lawyer. They can assess your specific situation and provide guidance.
Question: What should I look for when choosing a divorce lawyer?
When selecting a divorce lawyer, consider their experience in family law, your comfort level with them, their willingness to involve you in decisions, and their transparency about costs.
Question: What are the costs associated with hiring a divorce lawyer?
The cost of hiring a divorce lawyer can vary widely based on factors like location, complexity of the case, and the lawyer’s fees. Be prepared for initial consultation fees and ongoing hourly rates or flat fees.
Question: Can I file divorce papers myself to save money?
Yes, you can file divorce papers yourself, which can be cost-effective. However, it’s crucial to ensure that you complete the paperwork accurately and comply with your state’s requirements.
Question: What is a retainer fee, and how does it work?
A retainer fee is an upfront payment made to secure the services of a divorce lawyer. It is deposited into a trust account and used to cover legal fees as the case progresses. Any unused funds are typically returned to you.
Question: How long does the divorce process take?
The duration of a divorce varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, state laws, and court availability. On average, divorces can take one to two years or longer to finalize.
Question: What is mediation, and should I consider it as an alternative to litigation?
Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party helps divorcing couples reach agreements on issues like property division and child custody. It can be a cost-effective and less adversarial alternative to litigation.
Question: What if I’m not satisfied with my current divorce lawyer?
If you’re unhappy with your lawyer’s services, you have the right to switch lawyers at any time during the divorce process. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your current lawyer and obtain copies of all relevant documents before making the switch.
Are there any alternatives to hiring a traditional divorce lawyer?
Yes, alternatives include collaborative divorce, where both parties and their lawyers work together to reach a settlement, and using online divorce services that provide guidance and forms for a DIY divorce.
Question: What should I do before meeting with a divorce lawyer for the first time?
Prepare by gathering financial documents, a list of assets and debts, and any relevant information about child custody or support issues. Having this information ready can help make the initial consultation more productive.
Question: How can I ensure effective communication with my divorce lawyer?
Maintain open and honest communication with your lawyer. Clearly express your goals and concerns, ask questions when you’re unsure, and promptly provide requested information to keep your case progressing smoothly.
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