You might recently have come to the decision to get a divorce. It’s a tough one, but sometimes it’s the best option for you and your family. It’s not a decision you should make lightly, and it’s one you really need to take time on to weigh other alternatives and decide if it’s really the right choice for you. Many situations can be resolved, but if you’ve decided that yours isn’t one that can be, you’re going to need a good lawyer.
Finding the right divorce lawyer is a daunting decision, but it’s an important one. It could be the difference between getting the break you want and setting up the rest of you and your family’s life well, or not. So it’s another decision you shouldn’t make lightly. And it’s not simply about getting as much money as you can, either — that’s not all a good lawyer is good for. So if you’re looking for a good divorce lawyer, pay attention to a few of these tips.
Do they come recommended?
Ask around amongst your friends and family. Many of them might have personal experience or can point you in the direction of someone who does. While you might not want to start asking certain members of your family about divorce lawyers, some of your friends might be able to help. Nothing beats a personal recommendation from someone you can rely on — especially someone who’s been through a similar situation themselves.
If you don’t know anyone you can ask, you can also try looking for recommendations and reviews online to have a look in your local area.
How much experience do they have?
While a more experienced lawyer might charge a bit more, it might be worth it. You’ll want to look at how much experience your lawyer has in cases similar to yours. While you’ll want to check how long they’ve been a lawyer, make sure they didn’t re-specialize recently as they might have more experience practicing other types of law.
Check how much they charge
While you normally get what you pay for with a lawyer, you’re going to want to make sure you can afford it before you sign up. Do they charge a flat hourly rate, or only ask for payment upon completion? Make sure their payment system fits what you can afford and what you can achieve.
Meet them and have a talk
This is one of the best ways to get a good idea of if a lawyer is right for you. It’s all very well chatting on the phone or over email, but nothing beats a coffee and a quick (or long) chat. Make sure you’re both compatible as you could be spending a lot of time together. You want to look for a lawyer who’s going to fight for you.
These are just a few of the things you should be looking for when trying to find the right lawyer for you. Hopefully you won’t need them, but they’re a good start in case you do.