Choosing A Divorce Attorney

Few decisions when filing for a divorce are as important as the decision to file the petition, and choosing the right attorney to help you through the process. Divorces can take a toll on the spouses, even the spouse who chooses to file the petition, and having the right attorney can make a big difference in how the process goes legally and emotionally.

There are some things a person looking to hire a divorce attorney should keep in mind. The first thing to do is to determine a goal or a desired outcome of the divorce beyond just getting the court order, and see how the attorney you hire can help you achieve your goals.

It is also important to assess the potential issues in the divorce and determine if a specialized attorney will be needed. For example, if there are children involved, it would be important to hire an attorney with experience handling divorce cases involving child custody and support.

While it is important to find an attorney who you can feel a connection with, who is compassionate and understanding, it is equally as important to find an attorney who will represent your best interests at all stages of the divorce process. This may mean that at times, the attorney may have to present some tough facts that you may not want to hear. Therefore, consider that first and foremost, the attorney needs to be your advocate, and needs to be someone who can deliver the tough news.

If you are religious or belong to a cultural or social group where certain issues may arise during your divorce that are unique to members of your religion or group, you should ask yourself if the attorney you hire understands these potential issues. While the attorney does not have to belong to your group, it is important that the attorney you hire understand the particular issues your affiliation may raise, and know how to handle them appropriately when the time comes.

If you want to keep your divorce low conflict, and think that alternative dispute resolution processes may be better suited to your situation than going to court, you should choose an attorney with this in mind. Even if you chose to go through mediation, having an attorney can be invaluable, especially one with experience in divorces through mediation.

For an initial meeting with any attorney, you should make sure that you have a list of key questions that should help you make a preliminary decision on which attorney to hire. Questions can cover topics such as legal costs, what additional expenses will be charged, and how accessible the attorney will be once hired. During this initial consultation, you can also ask questions regarding the attorney’s approach to mediation and litigation, and his or her experience with both.

No matter how good an initial meeting with an attorney feels, it is important to have consultations with several attorneys before settling on one. Once you make your choice, the attorney can provide more in depth guidance on your case, and hopefully help you achieve your goals with as little stress as possible. 

Contact Us for a Consultation

For more information on how we can help you through the divorce process call to schedule a meeting with an experienced Boca Raton, Florida divorce attorney at the Law Offices of Schwartz l White. We are eager to assist you throughout each step of your case.

Resource:

prevention.com/sex/marriage/divorce-and-health-effects