Whether you’re looking forward to your divorce or are facing it with a heavy heart, you need an experienced divorce lawyer to guide you through the process. The right lawyer will protect your interests, assist you with child custody, and ensure a fair division of property between you and your spouse.
Hiring a divorce lawyer is a difficult decision, but many lawyers offer free consultations so you can decide whether they’re a good fit. Here’s what to ask a divorce lawyer during your consultation.
How Much Experience in Family Law Do You Have?
The lawyer should confidently answer this question with the number of years they’ve been practicing family law. There’s no set number to look for here, but the more experienced, the better.
You should also ask whether the attorney concentrates on divorce law or handles other legal issues, like car accidents and dog bites. Ideally, the lawyer should focus on family law only.
Do You Prefer Negotiation or Litigation?
Some divorce lawyers prefer to negotiate until you reach an agreement that you’re happy with. This is generally a good thing, but you don’t want a lawyer who will continue to push negotiation when your soon-to-be ex won’t budge.
Your lawyer should be as comfortable with litigation as they are with negotiation. Ask whether they’ll take your spouse to court if they refuse to offer you a fair deal in the divorce.
Are You Experienced With Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods?
Not all divorces have to be combative. You might consider mediation if you’re on amicable terms with your spouse. In mediation, you’ll work with your spouse to make agreements regarding child custody, spousal support, and property division. Many people prefer mediation because it’s cheaper than going to court.
Before hiring a divorce lawyer, ask whether they have experience in mediation and whether they would recommend this conflict resolution approach for your divorce case.
Do You Have Any References I Can Talk To?
A good divorce attorney should be willing to share references. Talking to former clients lets you judge whether this attorney would be a good fit for your divorce case.
In addition to references, check whether the attorney has any online reviews. Such testimonials will tell you what clients liked and didn’t like about the attorney. If the lawyer has more bad reviews than good, choose another.
Who Will Handle My Case Management?
This is an important question to ask when hiring a divorce lawyer. Some firms push cases to less experienced paralegals and assistants, which is common in large firms that are too busy to give each case the attention it needs.
Ideally, the lawyer should handle your entire case from beginning to end. You are paying for their experience, after all.
How Much Will Hiring You Cost?
Legal fees vary widely from one lawyer to the next, and cost will usually (but not always) indicate quality. Generally, the more expensive a lawyer is, the more likely you’ll end up with an outcome that you’re happy with. A budget lawyer, for example, might pressure you to accept an unfavorable deal, whereas a pricier attorney may fight more aggressively.
Unlike personal injury lawyers, divorce attorneys tend to charge by the hour. Ask the lawyer what their rate is and what that cost includes.
What Are Your Preferred Communication Methods?
Some divorce lawyers will only want to speak with you over the phone or in person, while others are more flexible. They might be willing to talk to you via text message or an online meeting service. If you don’t have time for regular phone calls, choose a lawyer who’s okay with using your preferred communication method.
Don’t forget to ask how often the lawyer will provide updates on your case. Will they check in weekly or only reach out when something in your case changes? Neither is necessarily better than the other; it’s up to you which you prefer.
Looking for a Divorce Lawyer Who Ticks All Your Boxes? Call Triangle Divorce Lawyers
Hiring a divorce lawyer is a major decision, so feeling anxious about your choice is natural. Your choice of lawyer could impact property division, custody, visitation, and much more. You want the right lawyer, so you end up with a fair deal in your divorce.
Let your search for the right attorney end here at Triangle Divorce Lawyers. Our family law team has a combined 230+ years of experience and proudly offers legal representation to clients throughout North Carolina.
Contact us at 919-303-2020 for a consultation now.
