How To Choose the Right Divorce Lawyer
Introduction
After deciding to get a divorce, the next crucial step is determining how to choose a lawyer for divorce. This task can be challenging, as hiring a competent, experienced attorney who can guide you through the divorce process is essential.
When starting your divorce process, it is crucial to understand what to look for in a divorce attorney. You need a professional you can trust, someone who understands your unique situation and aligns with your desired outcomes. You need a lawyer who can work with you from the beginning to the end of the legal procedure.
1. Do not choose the first divorce lawyer that you find
Take your time in looking for a divorce attorney. Allow yourself to have several options by making a list of lawyers you think can provide the kind of legal service you need. Do not immediately sign up with the first one that you find. Explore your options first. Part of figuring out how to pick a divorce lawyer entails examining the communication style, availability, and track record of potential candidates.
If your finances allow it, you can go for a lawyer from a big firm. You may also want to consider working with a family law attorney, especially if you want a lawyer who can represent you later on if the divorce settlement is not followed.
Also, there are board-certified family law attorneys in certain states who are educated, trained, and experienced in handling family law issues, including divorce cases. Attorneys specializing in family law are generally more experienced in divorce law than those who are not. Reliable online resources can guide an individual on how to pick a good divorce lawyer, making the process less daunting.
You have to choose a lawyer who is capable of providing the legal service that you need. Choose one who is not only an expert at negotiating but is also one who is well-versed and highly experienced in courtroom trials.
2. Choose your lawyer according to the type of divorce process you need to use
Before finalizing your choice of a divorce attorney, you must first determine what type of divorce process suits your needs, goals, and situation. There are seven types that you can choose from:
A contested divorce is ideal for you if you and your spouse cannot agree on child custody, community property division, alimony, and child support.
An uncontested divorce is also called a friendly divorce because it allows couples to negotiate their divorce’s material terms. No court litigation is necessary because the divorcing couple can work together to settle their divorce most amicably.
At-fault divorce is your best choice if the reason you are divorcing is one or both of you committed wrongdoing. The most common faults are spousal abandonment, adultery, absence of sexual intercourse, mental illness, physical or emotional pain, and prison time.
No-fault divorce is ideal for you if your spouse does not agree with the divorce. You do not have to prove to the court that your spouse committed wrongdoing or fault. This is the best option for couples divorcing because of irreconcilable differences.
Summary divorce or summary dissolution can work for you if you and your spouse do not have children or debts and your assets are limited. It is similar to uncontested divorce because the divorcing couple works together to amicably settle their divorce.
Limited divorce is not regarded as a legal divorce. It is similar to legal separation. It is ideal for couples who need more time to fix or organize their legal and financial issues. A limited divorce is court-ordered.
A default divorce happens when one of the divorcing parties fails to or does not appear in court. As such, the non-responding spouse is in default.
3. Choose a divorce lawyer who respects and values the professional ethics of their industry
You may encounter smooth-talking lawyers who like to brag about their achievements. While there is nothing wrong with being proud of one’s successes, this should not be done in a manner that disrespects other lawyers you are considering or interviewing.
Avoid lawyers who like name-dropping and talking about their high-profile clients and cases, especially those who share confidential case information.
Choose the best divorce lawyer who gives you undivided attention, respects you, and follows professional ethics. Check out reviews and testimonials from previous clients, as they can provide a valuable perspective on how to choose a divorce attorney.
4. Consider your budget
Choosing a divorce attorney and hiring them can cost you a lot of money. Most of them charge by the hour, but there are always exceptions to the rule. With that said, it is also vital to keep in mind that not all higher-rate attorneys provide quality legal services.
At the same time, choosing the lawyer with the cheapest rate is not a guarantee that you made the right choice unless you know someone who has worked with them and can assure you of first-rate service.
The best thing to do is work within your budget range and consider the value your choice offers. This is why you need to explore your options and consider at least three family law attorneys.
5. Don’t choose your divorce lawyer based on their popularity or how beautiful their office is
Another question to consider is how to choose divorce lawyer. Knowledge and experience should be your primary reasons for choosing a divorce lawyer.
Don’t base your choice on popularity or on how expensively furnished their office or building is. Physical appearance should never be a gauge of how effective and efficient an attorney is.
6. Choose local
Family law attorneys who practice in your state or area should be your priority. Working with a locally-based lawyer has a lot of advantages, foremost of which is familiarity with state or county divorce laws and with legal officials and judges. Lawrina Match will help you to find such a professional easily since it not only contains a huge database of lawyers working in various practice areas but also allows you to choose the state in which you are searching for a legal expert.
All the tips and suggestions mentioned above should help make the process of choosing the right divorce lawyer easier and more convenient for you.
Conclusion
Choosing the right attorney for your divorce process is a critical decision that requires careful thought and research. It's essential to select a lawyer who aligns with your needs, respects professional ethics, and provides value within your budget. The process of finding an attorney who can guide you successfully through this challenging life event might seem formidable. Still, it is possible to find a competent professional who can help you navigate this journey. Ultimately, the right attorney is a valuable ally who can ensure your rights are upheld and help set a path to a smoother future post-divorce.
Andrea Williams is the Community Manager at The Law Offices of Alcock & Associates P.C., a premier law group in Arizona that provides legal services to clients involved in Personal Injury, DUI, Immigration, and Criminal cases. She enjoys cooking, reading books, and playing minigolf with her friends and family in her spare time.