Traits You Should Look for in a Divorce Attorney

Traits You Should Look for in a Divorce Attorney

Aside from losing a family member, getting a divorce is probably one of the most stressful experiences that someone could go through. 

As you proceed with the divorce, you will likely be going through a lot, and the last thing you want to worry about is the competency of your divorce lawyer. 

As you look for different candidates, here are a few traits of a great divorce lawyer that you should keep in mind.

1. Commitment

You want to hire a divorce attorney who can be with you every step of the way since this process will take a few months, or (even years for some). You will be forced to face tough decisions that will most likely impact various aspects of your life —  finances, parenting, relationships, spousal support, division of property, and even your mental and emotional health. You want to hire a divorce attorney that can commit to being there to answer all of your questions and address your concerns.

2. Experience and Knowledge

You have to select a divorce lawyer with significant years of experience in the field, particularly handling divorce and related family law matters. A lawyer who has ample experience in such cases will most likely be very knowledgeable about navigating the system and processes efficiently and adequately. 

It is also beneficial if your divorce lawyer has had a reputation and a record of getting favourable outcomes for their clients. You can ask around or review professional history to know their achievements, cases handled and successfully won. Look for a divorce lawyer who doesn’t just represent you, but represents you well.

3. Professionalism

When you go through a divorce, it is vital to have an attorney who pays attention to your needs and is always ready to provide legal advice and answer your questions regarding the legal process. More importantly, they should always put forth a professional and put-together persona. This extends to being punctual, speaking to you in a respectful manner, and maintaining complete confidentiality throughout their interactions with you.

4. Availability

Look for an attorney who has a balanced caseload — someone who knows how to manage their time. Let’s face it,  you probably won’t be the only client that they will handle, so what matters is that they can answer the phone when you call or respond to texts promptly.

It would also be best to choose a divorce lawyer who can successfully meet deadlines, arrives on time during meetings, handles files in a timely manner, and always fills out paperwork promptly. 

5. Communication Skills

Clear and easy communication with your attorney is an absolute must during the divorce process. Your lawyer should be someone you are comfortable talking to, especially with expressing your concerns and expectations. They should be able to explain clearly to you what you should know and what to expect during the process, as well as readily explain legal jargon to be aware of and how it pertains to your case. 

Communication doesn’t only mean with you, the client. Your chosen divorce lawyer should also have good communication with your spouse’s attorney, as negotiation and settlement options are often potentially on the table.

6. Confidence and Composure

A good divorce lawyer should be able to maintain their composure, stay calm and focused while going through the divorce process, and should be able to have self-control even under unexpected circumstances. 

Your lawyer will represent you and your interests, so they should be someone who won’t take things personally when something goes wrong or is faced with surprises or mishaps. 

Your divorce lawyer should remain unfazed in a room full of people and be confident and assertive in giving detailed arguments. When you have a lawyer who is confident in what they do, you can be assured that they will know how to handle pressure during situations that may arise.

Azemika & Azemika Law is on Your Side

Going through a divorce can be a difficult and emotional time. If you are trying to settle outside of court, make sure both party’s attorneys are aware of that. However, if there are issues that the two of you can’t agree on, you may need to get the courts involved. 

The lawyers at Azemika & Azemika have a combined total of over 56 years handling family law cases. This expertise allows our dedicated team to customize each situation to fit our clients’ specific needs. As our client, we will keep you informed on the status of your case, allowing you to make informed decisions as your case progresses.

Let the team at Azemika & Azemika help set you on a path to a better post-divorce future.  Contact us today for a consultation.