Deciding to end your marriage is a huge step, and how your divorce is handled can affect the rest of your life. That’s why choosing the right divorce attorney is essential.
You may have friends and family offering referrals to their divorce attorney, but remember that every case and every family’s needs are different. Just because their attorney was the right fit for them doesn’t mean that they would be a good fit for you and your circumstances. It is crucial to do your research and make sure that the attorney you hire has the experience and expertise needed before hiring them.
Likely, you are already stressed from having to make this life-changing decision. However, worrying about whether you are hiring the right divorce attorney doesn’t have to cause more stress. To help, we’ve compiled a list of things that you should consider when hiring your divorce attorney.
You Should Be Comfortable With Them
You are trusting the attorney you hire to settle your case and get you the best possible outcome. You need to be able to communicate with them and know that you are being heard and be confident that they have your best interests in mind.
Schedule an initial interview with each attorney you are considering. During your conversation, make a note of how the attorney interacts with you. For example, were they listening to you, or were they distracted? Did they let you talk, or were they doing all of the talking? Were they respectful towards you?
While you may want to get your divorce completed as soon as possible, hiring an attorney that is not right for you or your case can waste time and money, and hurt your chances of a desirable outcome. Take the time to consult with multiple attorneys before making your final decision.
Check Their Reviews and References
With the plethora of information you can find online, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding information about a divorce attorney you are thinking about hiring. Their website should tell you their educational background and their experience and may also list referrals from past clients.
Search for reviews that past clients have posted online about their experiences with the attorney. Learning how the attorney interacted with past clients can give you a good indication of how they will interact with you and the level of service you can expect from them.
You can also review attorney records from state and local bar associations. There you can see if they have had formal complaints issued against them or if they have past disciplinary actions.
Do They Have Experienced in Cases Like Yours?
Every divorce and separation case is different, as are the needs of the parties involved. Therefore, you need to be sure that the attorney you choose can handle any special circumstances about your case.
Knowing your situation will help you choose an attorney who has experience dealing with your specific circumstances. For example, if you think you and your ex will be able to settle things outside of court, you can choose an attorney specializing in litigation alternatives. On the other hand, if you think you’ll face a court battle with your ex, you will need a divorce attorney to protect you in court and fight for your interests.
Keep Your Budget in Mind
While hiring a divorce attorney can be expensive, attorneys are out there that fit virtually every budget. Most attorneys charge a retainer that will cover most of the legal fees incurred during your case. Make sure that you find out how much they will charge and decide if it will fit into your established budget. Keep in mind that unforeseen circumstances can occur, so in the end, there may be additional fees incurred.
If you can’t afford their services, let them know. If they aren’t able to lower their rates for you, they will likely be able to refer you to other attorneys that may be more in your price range.
Ask About Their Availability
Most attorneys deal with multiple cases at a time. And while a busy attorney doesn’t mean you should disregard them, it is important to know how accessible they will be when you need them. You should also ask them their preferred communication method and how quickly you can expect to receive a response when you try to contact them.
Get the Legal Counsel You Deserve with Hunter Fowler
Hiring a divorce attorney shouldn’t be intimidating or scary. Most attorneys offer a free consultation, so take advantage of that option to get a feel for their attorney’s personality and make sure that they have the experience and expertise that makes you confident that they can help get you the outcome you want from your divorce.
When you choose Attorney Hunter Fowler to represent you in your divorce case, you get a knowledgeable and experienced family law attorney who will fight to get the best resolution for you and your family. Hunter believes in honest, open communication, so you will always have the most up-to-date information on your case to make the best decisions.
Contact Hunter Fowler today to schedule your free consultation and get the legal counsel you deserve.