Advice for choosing a divorce lawyer

Choosing the right lawyer to handle your divorce case can be one of the most important decisions you will ever need to make. For many people divorce is one of the most taxing legal, financial, and emotional undertakings of their life. Your money, property, future financial security, and the future well-being of any children you have may be affected by the quality of the lawyer you choose.

Recommendations for divorce lawyers can come from many sources. Therapists and counselors may have a list of divorce lawyers to recommend to you. Friends, who have been through a divorce and were happy with the quality of legal representation they received, can often be your best source of referrals. Look to any lawyers you have hired in the past to recommend colleagues who practice family law.

Many state bar associations have lawyer referral services. It is best not to choose a lawyer based solely on being listed with this type of service. Most of these services are open to any licensed attorney who pays a listing fee. However, if an attorney listed is licensed as a specialist in family law, this is much more of a positive recommendation. Depending on your state, the family law specialty may be called Family Law, Domestic Law, Matrimonial Law, or Divorce Law. All states that issue specialty licenses have strict requirements to qualify for the designation. Ask for a list of these specialists.

Another good idea is to call your local courthouse and find out which judges preside over divorces. Take some time to sit in the courtroom and watch the lawyers in action. If you find some who impress you, find out their names. The clerk or bailiff should be able to help you with this information.

Whatever you have been told about the talents of a particular lawyer, make sure to have a consultation with the lawyer before deciding to use his or her services. A positive recommendation is not enough to decide whether a lawyer is right for you. It is very important for you top feel comfortable with the lawyer you choose. Sometimes personalities and styles just do not click. You will have to tell this person the most intimate details of your personal life. It is absolutely imperative for you to feel as comfortable as possible doing so.

A lawyer who practices general law may be qualified to represent you during your divorce if he or she has kept abreast of current family law developments either through continuing education or actually handling divorce cases. When complex issues, such as large sums of money, business enterprises, real estate, or custody are involved, it is best to choose a lawyer who concentrates most of his or her practice in the area of family law.

Make appointments with several attorneys and interview each one before deciding. Many lawyers offer free initial consultations. Prepare your questions in advance. Important questions to ask include: How many years of experience does the attorney have? Does he/she specialize in divorce, child custody, and related family law matters? How quickly will the lawyer return phone calls? What percentage of the attorney’s cases go to trial? What is his or her retainer fee? Be sure you completely understand the fee agreement and what you will be required to pay before making your final decision.

Pay attention to your gut feelings during each interview. Are your questions thoroughly answered? Do you feel rushed through the initial consultation? Do you feel this lawyer is listening carefully to your concerns? Do you feel you are being pressured to agree to use this attorney?

Take your time when choosing an attorney to handle your divorce. A good lawyer is well worth his or her weight in gold.