Divorce is an emotionally taxing and often nerve-racking time for many couples. Aside from the losses felt on both sides due to an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, there is also a world of uncertainty regarding the future and countless decisions must be made. One of the first decisions that needs to be made is selecting the right family law attorney to represent you and guide you through the divorce process. Here are some helpful tips for choosing the right attorney.
Understanding Your Own Needs
Before you can select a family law attorney, you need to understand your needs and the way in which you want your divorce handled. For instance, you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse may not get along very well, and the divorce will be messy and highly contentious. On the other hand, you and your spouse may be amicable and able to negotiate a civil and respectful way. By understanding your circumstances, you will have a clear understanding of what type of personality you need in your family law attorney. You may also have specific ideas as to whether your lawyer is male or female, old or young, etc. These types of preferences are perfectly normal. You want to find an attorney who will satisfy your needs and with whom you feel comfortable.
Know Your Budget
Before you can select an attorney, you should know how much money you can spend on an attorney. Attorney’s charge all different types of rates depending on the size and type of firm, experience of the attorney(s) and how specialized the lawyers are. Though the more experienced and specialized an attorney is, the more likely they will charge a higher hourly rate. Depending on your needs and circumstance, you may want to spend the extra dollars (if you can afford to) in order to achieve a favorable outcome.
Do Your Homework
You should always do some research on the attorneys who practice in your area. Depending on the specific county where you reside, there may even be lawyer referral services that can assist you in finding an attorney. You should search the internet or even the yellow pages for family lawyers and family law firms, that may be able to represent you. Don’t simply choose the first name that you see. Try to find any client reviews of the attorneys/firms that you discover. When narrowing down your options, be mindful of the specialty areas the attorneys practice in (for example, mediation, litigation, collaboration, etc.) and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Talk To Friends And Relatives
The unfortunate reality is that you probably have a friend or family member (or both) who has or is going through a divorce. Your family or friends have their own friends who have been divorced. Talk to these individuals and get their opinion as to the performance of their attorney, or even the attorney for the other side. This is likely the best way to find the attorney that’s right for you, because your family and/or friends experienced the attorney(s) firsthand and will be honest with you.
Questions, Questions, Questions
Always ask as many questions as possible when meeting with an attorney for the first time. Though it is rare, some family law attorneys may offer a short, free consultation. Take advantage of this meeting and ask the important questions, such as how long the attorney has been practicing, what niche or specialty areas do they practice, whether they are familiar with the family law judge(s) that will likely decide your case, and the types of clients they have represented or cases they have pursued in the past. You can never be too informed when it comes to selecting an 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 Family Law Group is here to help. Our qualified family lawyers at decades of experience handling all family law matters and will give you the time and attention that you deserve. Contact the DiPietro family law attorneys today to schedule a consultation with a caring professional at (888) 530-4374, or contact us online.