Divorce is a major life event, and it only makes sense to get a lawyer on your side that is not only knowledgeable about the law but that is in tune with you and your divorce goals. Read on for some tips to help you locate the best divorce attorney possible.
- Only in rare cases should you only consider one lawyer and not interview several. You might need to speak to two or three lawyers before you get an idea of what you are looking for in a legal expert. In most cases, the cost of a consultation is included in your total legal cost but it's worth it to find someone awesome. The attorney you choose should make you feel both confident and hopeful about the divorce process.
- Your friend's lawyer could be your lawyer too. The best and most convenient way to begin your search for a divorce lawyer is to ask friends, relatives, co-workers, and others who they have used and trusted in the past. Another tip is that if you already have a lawyer who practices in other areas, ask them who they would recommend for someone who needs a divorce lawyer.
- If your spouse already has a lawyer and they are offering to represent both of you, walk away. You cannot possibly get fair representation from such a situation. Also, know that once you speak to an attorney, they cannot also work for your spouse. This might be a good reason to get started on your search sooner rather than later. It works both ways, by the way, so you may end up not hiring the best divorce lawyer in town if your spouse speaks with them before you do.
- If you are tempted to forgo representation because you cannot afford an attorney, think again. You cannot afford to not hire an attorney because otherwise there is every chance that you will be taken advantage of if you don't. If your spouse has more financial resources than you do, talk to a divorce lawyer about petitioning the judge to assign legal fees. In certain cases, spouses who can afford a lawyer will be ordered to pay some or all of the other spouse's legal costs due to the inequity in income. The theory behind this is to create an even playing field for both parties so that a lack of funds is no bar to legal representation.
There is a divorce lawyer out there for everyone so find one that is smart, creative, patient, and easy to get along with.
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