No one ever expects to get divorced from their partner. However, in the unfortunate event that your marriage doesn't work out for you, chances are you'll need to find a divorce attorney. For some people, coming across the right person to represent you in court is easy, while it can be a more difficult decision for others. The divorce attorney you choose can mean the difference between a favorable and unfavorable outcome. With that in mind, here are tips to help you find a divorce attorney that's right for you.
Ask Around
If you have friends or relatives who have gotten a divorce, ask them for recommendations. Talk to them about the divorce attorneys they used and whether or not they were happy with the service they received. In addition, you can use this time to talk about price and get into more specifics about how they were to work with. Knowing all this information up front, especially from someone you trust, can make finding an attorney easier.
Do Your Due Diligence
If you don't have any recommendations, use the power of the internet to do some research on your own. You can look for divorce attorneys in your area or even search for those who may fall within your budget. Most divorce attorneys will allow you to hold free consultations so you can meet them and discuss your situation in more detail. It's also a good idea to ask the lawyer for references, and then do your due diligence and contact these references for more detail about whether or not they would be the right fit for you. Online reviews are solid indicators of good service, but you should go beyond them to get a full picture of the attorney you're working with.
Assess Your Budget
If you're on a tight budget, then you need to be sure you openly discuss money with the lawyer you are looking to hire. This way, you can rest assured they are willing to give you their time and effort at a price you can afford. Plus, it alleviates you from being shocked with a bill after the divorce is finalized. Some lawyers may have some wiggle room for price negotiations too, so never hesitate to haggle if you feel it's worth it.
Discuss Your Case In Detail
Nobody wants to extend the length of a divorce, but extenuating circumstances can make a simple divorce take much longer. Be sure to talk with your possible lawyer in detail about your case and what you're looking to walk away with from the divorce. It might be uncomfortable to reveal details of your marriage, but it's necessary to move forward with a fair divorce.
According to Gearing, Rackner & McGrath, a Portland divorce attorney team, no detail should be left out; often, small details in your personal lives, documentation (like a prenup), and even verbal agreements can make a huge difference in your case. After you have a detailed conversation with your lawyer, be sure to ask them their thoughts about what's realistic for your specific situation. If you feel comfortable with their answers and your rapport in general, then you may have found the right lawyer to use.
Consider a Custody Specialist
If you and your ex have children, the divorce will also include child custody issues. In order to help speed the process along, be sure to choose a lawyer that specializes in child custody. After all, you don't want to pay for an attorney who won't work hard to ensure you get joint custody or at least a custody arrangement that works in your child's favor. Don't' run the risk of putting your child's well-being at risk by choosing a lawyer with no custody experience.
Take Your Time
Again, you don't want to drag the divorce out, but you also don't want to rely on the wrong person to represent you in court. Do not feel rushed to find a lawyer, especially if they're not the right fit. Instead, take your time to do your research and meet with your potential candidates to see which one makes sense for you. By using these tips, you can ensure you'll find the right lawyer to take on your divorce.
