Once you decide it’s time for you and your spouse to get a divorce, it is time to hire a divorce lawyer. Hiring a divorce attorney can feel overwhelming, and you want to ensure that you get an attorney experienced in family law.
There are many attorneys out there, but you want someone you can trust who understands your situation and how to navigate the complexities of Divorce court and family law.
To help you choose the best lawyer to handle your divorce, we will share several factors to consider.
Essential Factors To Consider When Hiring A Divorce Lawyer
1. What Is Their Specialty, And Level Of Experience?
There are many types of attorneys, and you don’t want to hire a business attorney to handle your divorce. There is a tremendous difference between working with someone experienced in family law and someone who is a criminal or business attorney.
Family law attorneys are well trained, educated, and experienced in dealing with family law issues, including divorce cases, child custody, division of property, child support, and navigating the complex laws of Family Court. Ensure that you choose an attorney who is experienced with divorce, an expert at negotiating, and is also experienced in courtroom trials.
2. Interview Different Divorce Attorneys
Take your time and interview a few different attorneys, and do not choose the first one you find. Attorneys have different strengths, and it is essential to understand what skills will be most helpful in your divorce.
Every divorce case is different, and if you think your divorce may go to court, you want to have a reasonably good trial attorney. If you feel like your divorce will be resolved without court, then an attorney who is strong in negotiations would be essential. Start by finding three possible divorce lawyers for your case, and set up interviews for each. After meeting with all three and understanding their perspective on your case, it’ll be easier for you to decide.
3. What Type Of Divorce Process Do You Anticipate?
Determine what type of divorce process suits your goal, needs, and situation. There are several types, including:
- An uncontested divorce is also known as a friendly divorce; it allows couples to negotiate the terms of their divorce. There will be no court litigation as teams can work together amicably.
- A contested divorce is ideal if you and your spouse cannot agree on community property division, child custody, child support, and alimony.
- No-fault divorce is when you and your spouse or partner are divorcing because of irreconcilable differences.
- An At-fault divorce is used when one or both parties have committed adultery, spousal abandonment, domestic abuse, mental illness, etc.
- Limited divorce is similar to legal separation and is suitable for couples who require time to organize or fix legal and financial issues.
- A Default divorce happens when one of the parties fails to appear in court and is considered a non-responding spouse and defaults.
- A Summary divorce, also known as summary dissolution, may be an option for you and your spouse if you do not have any debts or children and your assets are limited. They are also similar to an uncontested divorce.
4. Choose A Divorce Lawyer Who Values, Respects, And Practices Professional Ethics
Some attorneys are bad apples, and if you come across a smooth-talking lawyer who nonchalantly shares confidential case information with you to try and impress you, run the other way. The best divorce lawyer will give you respect and follow professional ethics.
5. Consider The Cost
Hiring a lawyer can be expensive; however, you don’t want to choose your attorney because they have the least expensive rate. A higher price attorney also does not necessarily mean that they have more experience, nor does it mean that they would be able to change the overall result of your case.
Once you know what you can afford, find a couple of different divorce lawyers within your budget range; if you have budget constraints, talk with your divorce attorney to see if there are any flexible payment options.
6. Choose A Local Divorce Attorney
Choosing a local family law attorney practice in your area is a priority as they will be more familiar with county and state divorce laws, as well as judges and other legal officials.
7. Do Your Research
Ask friends and family for any recommendations they may have for a reasonable divorce attorney in your community. You can also check the internet for reviews to find out their history, access to resources, or how long they’ve been in the area.
8. Questions To Ask Your Divorce Attorney
- Do you have a paralegal or assistant that I will be working with regularly?
- Do you have any idea how long the divorce process will take?
- How often will you give me updates?
- What is the best way for you to get in touch with your divorce lawyer?
- How much experience do you have with mediation, going to trial, and family law issues?
9. Choose The Divorce Attorney That Feels Right
Getting a divorce is a personal process. It is essential that you can trust your divorce attorney and that you believe they have your best interest in mind throughout your divorce process. If you feel uncomfortable, it is reasonable to consider that feeling lasts through the entire divorce process. Choose the divorce attorney who has the experience and knowledge as well as the personality that suits your needs.
Azemika Law Is Here To Help
At Azemika & Azemika in Bakersfield, California, our law firm’s practice is exclusively devoted to family law. If you need the support of an attorney to handle child custody, divorce, child visitation, dissolution of domestic partnerships, or other family issues, we have the expertise to help you. Contact us today for a consultation.