Whether it’s come to an amicable end, or things are a little more complicated, going through a divorce can take its toll on your health and wellbeing. Regarded as one of the most stressful experiences an individual can endure, it’s important that you find a divorce attorney who can act on your behalf and fight your corner. If you aren’t sure what to look out for, here are a few tips on how to find the best divorce attorney.
Choose a Reliable Lawyer
Reliability is a key trait that all reputable divorce lawyers should possess. Going through a divorce can bring a wide range of emotions, so knowing you have a lawyer who is accessible and contactable at short notice can put your mind at ease. If you have any questions that need answering right away, reputable divorce lawyers will do everything in their power to ensure your queries are addressed immediately.
Do Your Research
So that you can be confident with your final decision, doing research into what other people have to say about the lawyer who you’re planning on using can help. Whether it’s by reading online reviews or asking colleagues and friends who have had personal experience of dealing with law firms, the best divorce attorneys will have a portfolio of happy clients. For example, attorneys like M. Sue Wilson, specialize in divorce, prenuptial agreements, and marriage legal separation.
Establish a Strong Relationship
When going for your first meeting with a divorce attorney, use the consultation as an opportunity to get to know your attorney on both a personal and professional level. There are several attributes that you need to be on the lookout for, such as excellent communication skills and active listening. Sharing your experiences with someone who will put their full concentration into what you say is important.
Know the Costs
From start to finish, having a good idea of how much the legal services will be can help you budget accordingly. There will be some divorce lawyers who charge an hourly rate, while others may bill at random intervals, or at the end of proceedings. There are also some divorce lawyers who offer a fixed fee to make sure there are no nasty surprises. To put your mind at ease, it’s crucial that you ask about how much your lawyer charges before accepting their services.
Prepare for Your Consultation
To get the most out of your first consultation, make sure that you get everything off your chest. There are several basic details that your lawyer will need to know, such as your marriage dates, spousal and personal income, as well as any assets that you may have. It’s important that you be up front and honest from the beginning, otherwise there could be problems that can arise further down the line.
Deciding to get divorced is a huge decision and picking a divorce lawyer can be a stressful and emotional experience. To make the process run as smoothly as possible, all the tips above can play their part in finding a reputable and reliable divorce attorney.