If you have decided to file for divorce, it is crucial that you consult with legal professionals. Selecting an appropriate attorney for your case is paramount.
Consult friends, family and professionals for recommendations before making your choice. Consider factors like experience, fees and approach to alternative dispute resolution methods as part of this decision making process.
Experience
An initial consultation should consist of asking questions to assess the client’s current circumstances and goals, reviewing all applicable documentation such as paycheck stubs, tax returns, property values and property valuation reports. Furthermore, attorneys should discuss whether their clients intend on filing a contested or uncontested divorce, discuss child custody arrangements and support needs and any possible changes needed during any possible future court cases.
An experienced attorney should have extensive knowledge of the court system and judges in your jurisdiction, which enables them to tailor their strategy based on how each judge may react to certain arguments or evidence presented before them. They should be able to give examples of similar cases they’ve handled successfully in the past.
As is true with any legal battle, being aware of prior cases will help your divorce attorney prepare for future disputes. Depending on your particular circumstances, psychotherapists or divorce coaches might also need to be brought in – it is also essential that they demonstrate an empathetic disposition during this process.
Fees
Cost can quickly add up when it comes to hiring a lawyer for divorce, especially when also dividing assets. But you shouldn’t make your choice solely based on price when selecting your divorce attorney.
At your consultation, be sure to inquire about the attorney’s fees and billing practices. Some offer flat fees; others charge by the hour. In order to reduce legal expenses further, consider opting for limited scope representation (also referred to as unbundled legal services).
Assigning specific tasks of your divorce to an attorney while performing others on your own can often be more cost-effective than full representation, particularly if you can manage much of it on your own but need guidance with mediation or draft agreements for formal settlement agreements. Local legal aid societies or programs also may offer free or heavily discounted services by lawyers offering partial representation.
Approach
Consider when selecting attorneys which approach best matches your needs. Ask them during initial consultation, or conduct interviews to assess which approach may work best in your particular circumstance.
When assets and conflicts between spouses are complex and high, litigation may be necessary in order to reach an equitable agreement that benefits both sides. On the other hand, mediation could provide an efficient means of resolving your divorce case.
When meeting with an attorney for the first time, it’s advisable to bring copies of all relevant documents – this might include paycheck stubs, tax returns, property values and any other pertinent financial data. Furthermore, provide details regarding your situation and objectives so the lawyer can tailor his/her advice specifically to you and meet all of your individual needs.
Empathy
Empathy refers to the capacity for understanding another person’s emotions. Empathy can be an effective tool in helping couples address marital conflicts as it fosters communication while reducing emotional escalations during discussions on legal matters such as property division or child custody arrangements.
An attorney with strong empathy will be able to communicate clearly with their clients about each step of the divorce process and provide timely answers for questions about any aspect of it. They may also encourage collaborative resolutions or mediation as ways of lessening stress levels during this emotionally charged experience.
An empathic lawyer will carefully consider all aspects of their client’s well-being – financial and relationship factors alike – when making decisions on a case, such as delays or advocating routes that could negatively impact them in future. They’ll work to establish healthy co-parenting arrangements as quickly and favourably as possible while remaining fearless when representing clients they disagree with.