Going through a divorce can be an incredibly challenging and complex process. From preserving your relationship with your kids to minimizing financial losses, there are many worries that require careful consideration. However, many divorcing couples overlook one of the most important steps during this process– finding a good lawyer. That’s why this article focuses on the key factors of how to find a divorce lawyer who can best address your specific circumstances.
Dealing with child custody, alimony, and the division of assets, among others, a skilled lawyer can be an invaluable asset to the dissolution of a marriage. Follow the most useful factors you should consider when seeking one.
How to Find a Divorce Lawyer
In many cases, divorcing couples may be urged to settle their dissolution of marriage in court. However, sometimes divorces may not require courtrooms or attorneys. You can opt for countless alternatives that may settle your divorce in a calm manner.
If both spouses agree on issues like custody and property division, numerous options are available. For example, mediation and arbitration or online divorce services are excellent ways to end your marriage cost-efficiently.
With the no-fault divorce laws, you can also opt for do-it-yourself divorce and online service options, among many more.
However, if you decide that there is no other choice apart from hiring an attorney, then you should look for the best one that suits your situation. During a traditional divorce process, both spouses will require their own lawyer, as each partner will have their own issues and requirements. So, if you’re considering seeking the best divorce lawyers for you, here’s what you need to do:
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Identify your needs
First and foremost, you must know precisely what you want to get out of your divorce. While your ultimate goal is to dissolve your marriage, different attorneys specialize in a variety of areas. So, knowing what’s most important to you will allow you to hire the correct lawyer for your specific case and choose the right divorce method.
In general, there are four types of divorces you may go through, including:
- Do-It-Yourself (DIY)– for uncontested divorces
- Traditional – for uncontested or contested divorces
- Mediation – for uncontested divorces
- Collaborative – for uncontested divorces
You might consider mediation or online divorce if both partners have an equal distribution of power in the relationship. This means that if both partners are well-informed about their finances and there are no issues such as abuse, secret information, or deception in your relationship.
Furthermore, if children are involved and you want to focus on co-parenting, you might want to select a lawyer specializing in amicable divorce or collaborative divorce.
However, if you know your divorce will go to trial and be highly contentious, your best option would be an attorney who is both a good negotiator and has courtroom experience in the case you need. This may ensure you have a fair trial and settle your case in the best possible way for you.
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Seek out referrals
When looking at how to find a divorce lawyer in San Francisco, you can do so by gathering referrals. Word-of-mouth referrals from family, friends, or professionals in the same area of expertise are a good place to start.
Whether you have a friend or family member who has gone through the same process, they may be of help when finding a divorce attorney. However, be mindful of your own needs and situation before hiring potential attorneys. There’s a high chance you’ll have different goals from your family member who has recently gone through a divorce,
If you opt for a professional referral, an accountant or financial advisor may recommend a good divorce lawyer who specializes in family law.
Do your research
Searching by state, country, or city should allow you to easily view qualified attorneys from your area. You can do this through a regional search to find, compare, and decide on a few to contact for an interview. This search will also allow you to view reviews and previous client testimonials on your potential lawyer.
Also, thoroughly research the divorce lawyer you plan on hiring for your divorce. What’s their area of expertise? How many divorces have they handled in the past year, and how many of them have been won in the client’s favor? Before making any decisions, ask for peer or client referrals, which will outline the lawyer’s professionalism and experience.
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Set up consultations
Once you gathered your list of possible attorneys, it’s time to schedule meetings and discuss the issues you’re facing. Understanding the topics you’ll touch upon during these meetings would help you better prepare for the divorce. So, the attorney would most likely be interested in:
- The divorce process itself
- Child custody
- Division of your assets
- Child and spousal support
- The attorney’s fees
The key to a successful consultation is to come prepared. Ensure you have your documents ready if necessary. Knowing what your assets and liabilities are might also help your attorney have an informed discussion on the possible outcomes of the divorce.
Furthermore, prepare your questions and concerns at hand before each interview. This includes discussing topics such as:
- The lawyer’s experience in the field
- Concerns about the best and worst-case scenario
- How will you keep in touch as the case progresses
- Additional fees you should be aware of
Keep in mind that some lawyers may charge you for these consultations. When setting up the meeting, be sure to ask whether there’s a charge, and if so, how much.
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Finalize your decision
After you’re done identifying your needs, gathered referrals, researched, and talked to your potential attorneys, you should be able to compare them and finalize your decision. This decision should represent who will support and fight for you during your divorce. Seeking to accomplish your best interests is one of the most crucial qualifications you should look for in a lawyer.
A good divorce lawyer should specialize in family law, prioritize your needs, and work diligently to achieve the best possible outcomes within the law’s bounds.
Keep in mind that this decision will most likely dictate much of your future life. Your final lawyer should be able to guide you through the process and prioritize you and your well-being. However, with careful research, goal setting, vetting, considerate consultations, and comparison, you may find someone who perfectly fits you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, seeking a divorce lawyer might be a daunting and challenging task for many couples. However, with this simple guide on how to find a divorce lawyer, you should manage the difficulties and select the best possible option for your specific case.
Remember that you don’t have to opt for the first potential lawyer you find. If you have the resources, you should aim to talk to at least three lawyers in your area. This may increase your chances of hiring the best-fitting attorney who should fight and support you throughout the process.
Ensure you have set your needs, sought out all referrals, and completed detailed research. With informative consultations, you should easily decide whether an attorney is adequate to negotiate in your name and bring forth the best possible outcomes in your interest.
Hopefully, this article has provided you with insightful information on finding a divorce lawyer.