Finding a reputable divorce lawyer to handle your split can quell your anxieties. By following a few smart steps you can weed out the less than skilled attorneys to find a lawyer who can represent you effectively. Do strict due diligence to ease some of your worries during a tough period in your life.
Build a Watch List of Attorneys
Building a watch list of potential divorce attorneys helps you zero in on the perfect match for your situation. Many divorces are messy but amicable splits are possible if you choose the right lawyer and have a strong friendship with your spouse. Patiently speak to a few divorce lawyers in your area to get a feel for their style.
Some lawyers are more reserved while others are fiery dynamos. In any case choose someone who mirrors your personality. If you’re a quiet type who still has a strong relationship with your estranged spouse it would be awkward to choose an emotional, high-strung attorney who’s ready to bleed your spouse dry financially. If you are parting under less than pleasant circumstances you’d want to stay away from attorneys who don’t mirror your same level of passion as you’ll likely feel that they’re not doing enough for you. Find a good match by working through a list of potential divorce lawyers.
Adopt a Realistic Point of View
At the end of the day divorce cases are about splitting up assets and resolving custody issues between couples. Even if you’re both mild-mannered and fair-minded individuals you’ll likely suffer through parts of the case related to the custody of your children. Nobody wants to be deemed a less fit parent. Feeling jealous or angry is part of the divorcing process from time to time.
Instead of lying to yourself embrace your feelings. Be realistic before you seek out an attorney. The best lawyers may help you win more money or retain custody of your children but the split is rarely even and painless.
Keep in mind that divorce attorneys are not therapists. Many grieving individuals waste their attorney’s time by using their office visits as therapy sessions. Busy lawyers are more detached from their cases because their chief goal is to represent you to the best of their ability. Your lawyer may empathize with you for a minute but raving on and on about your snake husband or wicked wife helps no one. Your attorney is neither your friend nor your counselor. Adopt a realistic view of the attorney-client relationship.
Interview Each Attorney on Your Watch List
Come prepared to your interviews with a series of questions. Ask about their education and history handling cases similar to yours. Divorce lawyers who have a successful past representing their clients in similar cases can give you a boost of confidence. Begin the research process with an initial phone call to familiarize yourself with the attorney. Inquire into their rates to see if they fit into your budget.
Following each tip can help you find the right divorce attorney for your needs.