How to Find a Good Divorce Attorney
It is possible to avoid “bulldog” lawyers by choosing a lawyer with three to five years of experience. Listed below are some tips on how to find a good divorce attorney. Also, remember to ask for a free consultation if you are unsure about the attorney’s fee. Before hiring an attorney, do some research on the lawyer. Make sure that you know what assets each party has. A good lawyer will be able to help you identify and value these assets.
(Family Law Missoula Attorneys at S. DeBoer Attorney at Law are committed to helping you face your family legal matters with expert legal assistance.)
Avoiding a “bulldog” type of attorney
Hiring a “bulldog” type of divorce lawyer may be tempting, but it may also have unintended consequences. Although “bulldog” divorce attorneys may be aggressive, they are rarely necessary – at least not at the beginning of your divorce. They tend to drag out the case, resulting in increased stress, costs, and time. Judges can make life-altering decisions about couples – don’t give yourself and your spouse unnecessary stress.
Bulldog attorneys are known for their aggressive tactics in court, and are typically only interested in winning. They can irritate other attorneys, exacerbate the situation, and make their clients feel like they are fighting for them. In addition, they will often encourage their spouse’s attorney to do the same. This isn’t likely to lead to a successful outcome, and you may find yourself losing your cool.
Finding a lawyer with at least three to five years of experience
In addition to selecting an experienced, high-rated divorce attorney, you should find one who is specialized in divorce law. The number of years an attorney has practiced law in that area is the best indication of how well he or she understands the laws that govern your situation. Divorce law is highly complicated, so you should consult a knowledgeable divorce attorney who is knowledgeable about the process.
Referrals are a great source of quality divorce lawyers, but you should research and cross-reference any recommendations you get. Consider the age and source of the recommendations and the nature of the problem you’re facing. If your divorce is relatively minor, a lawyer who specialized in prenuptial agreements may not be your best bet today. Also, a divorce attorney who practices a variety of different types of law might not be the best choice if you’re experiencing a complex, high-conflict matter.
Meeting with a lawyer
When meeting with a divorce attorney, you should write down all of the most important questions that you have for them. Your divorce attorney must fully understand your situation and circumstances, including your relationship with your ex. If you have a history of controlling or abusive behavior, be sure to tell your attorney about this, too. Similarly, bring your financial records, if you have them. Your attorney will likely give you a detailed account of their work, but don’t expect them to answer all of your questions.
When meeting with a divorce attorney, it is essential, to be honest. Divorce is emotionally draining for clients. Many clients feel a range of emotions during this difficult time. You might not know whether your spouse will be hostile or compassionate during the process. However, your attorney should be sensitive to your feelings and try to understand them. If you are worried about your spouse finding out, bring proof of it. A good divorce attorney will be happy to discuss these issues with you.
Getting a free initial consultation
Getting a free consultation when hiring a divorce attorney is a good way to decide if you want to hire the firm. The only disadvantage of free consultations is that you won’t get a full picture of how much it will cost you. This kind of meeting is usually too short and focuses mainly on selling you the firm’s services. Instead of advising you on what course of action to take, a paid consultation will help you get a clearer idea of what the costs will be.
In addition to the cost of the consultation, you will be able to gather the information you need to choose the best divorce attorney for your case. During the initial consultation, you should tell the attorney your financial situation and any child custody and visitation arrangements. This will help the attorney plan the best way to resolve the issues of your divorce. A divorce attorney should understand your specific situation and address it accordingly.