Divorce can be an incredibly stressful time for any couple, even if you and your spouse both agree that it is time to end the marriage. Highly contentious topics will arise and difficult issues will need to be resolved like property division, selling or maintaining the marital home and possibly matters of child support and custody schedules. This is why it is so important to hire a qualified family law attorney to represent you in your case who knows the law and will fight for your rights. But selecting the right lawyer is not always easy. Here are some helpful tips for finding the right family law attorney to handle your case.
Talk To Family & Friends
With the high divorce rates in the U.S., odds are you probably have had a family member or a close friend who went through a divorce. The first step is to ask them how they handled their divorce, if they have any words of advice, or if they have any recommended divorce lawyers in mind. While you may wish to keep your marital issues private, count on your friends and family – they will most likely provide you with the most honest and helpful advice.
Know Your Needs & Desires
Before picking an attorney to represent you, ask yourself how you want the divorce to be handled. Do you and your partner have a friendly mutual agreement on the divorce? Or is it a one-sided and messy divorce? Either way, you want to pick a divorce attorney who can appropriately address your goals.
In addition, you want to consider your personal preferences. Perhaps you have a preference in regards to gender, age, personality, and so forth. It is perfectly reasonable to have these preferences, as it is ideal to have an attorney with whom you feel comfortable.
Do Some Research & Take Consultations
Often times, depending on the county in which you live, there are specific referral programs for divorce attorneys. These programs will help you find lawyers to represent your case. It is also a good idea to browse through online lawyer directories to familiarize yourself with the different law firms in your area. Make a list of divorce lawyers that stand out to you. Once you have a finalized list, you can narrow it down even more by specifically looking for divorce attorneys that specialize in the type of divorce you’re seeking.
Remember, you do not have to hire the first attorney that you meet. You should visit a few different lawyers for consultations, and then choose the one with whom you feel comfortable.
Avoid Red Flags
The age-old maxim “if it’s too good to be true, it probably is” applies nicely to selecting the right family law attorney. If an attorney rubs you the wrong way during the initial consultation or makes promises that seem too good to be true, you should listen to your gut. Ultimately, you want a lawyer who is professional, knowledgeable, responsive and easy to communicate with. If your intuition says otherwise, then it may be time to consult with a different attorney.
Divorce can be a difficult and trying time for you, as well as the entire family. If you are facing divorce or have other family law needs, the DiPietro legal team is here to help. The qualified family lawyers at DiPietro Family Law Group have decades of experience handling all family law matters and will give you the time and attention that you deserve. Contact our family law attorneys today to schedule a consultation with a caring professional at (888) 530-4374.