How Do I Choose a Divorce Attorney?
Every divorce is different and so is every divorce attorney. That’s why choosing the right lawyer is so important. You need someone you can trust to prioritize your personal and financial goals and someone with experience in family law.
No one expects to get divorced, and many people don’t know how to choose a good divorce attorney. We’ve put together some tips and tricks to help you get started.
Know What You Want
Before you start meeting with divorce attorneys, you need to know what you want. Decide what your philosophy is on divorce so you can find a lawyer who thinks similarly. You should also know what kind of approach you want to take and determine your priorities. Choose your battles, then choose an attorney who has experience winning those types of battles.
Remember that your attorney is your attorney – not your life coach or therapist. You will need to tell your lawyer some details about your marriage and personal life, but you should not call them unless you’re looking for legal advice.
Interview Potential Attorneys
It may be tempting to hire the first lawyer you meet, but you should always have options. HuffPost recommends meeting with at least 3 potential attorneys. All the attorneys you consider should focus on family law and have experience in the type of divorce you’re pursuing (contested, collaborative, etc.)
Below are some topics you should discuss with your potential lawyer:
- Their experience and focus within family law
- Familiarity with local family law judges and other attorneys
- The team that will be handling your case
- Expected timelines and outcomes
- Your rights and obligations
- What happens if the case goes to trial
- Shared priorities (i.e. putting your children’s needs first)
Each attorney will highlight their skill and personal style, which is why it’s so important to know what you’re looking for (see above). Do you want an aggressive attorney or someone more compassionate and collaborative?
Discuss Cost
Most divorce attorneys charge a retainer and an hourly rate – with expenses on top of that. Make sure you know what all these costs are and that you can afford them. You can ask your lawyer to estimate how much your divorce will cost but keep in mind that this is an estimate. The amount you pay may be more than what you are originally quoted, but you are well within your rights to look closely at invoices and understand what you are being charged for.
Trust Your Instincts
You need to feel comfortable with your attorney and trust them to be candid with you. Don’t make your decision based on appearances like a nice office or clothing. Instead, make sure you and your lawyer are compatible and share similar thoughts on your case. Choose someone who listens to you and makes sure you understand the legal process.
You should also watch out for red flags. If your attorney says yes to everything or makes lofty promises, they probably aren’t being honest with you. Lawyers who brag about high-profile clients or give you confidential information about previous cases may not protect your privacy. If an attorney can’t get through an initial consultation without being distracted by a constant stream of phone calls and emails, they are unlikely to give you and your case the personal attention you deserve.
When choosing an attorney, remember that lawyers are dealing with their businesses and you are dealing with the rest of your life. You need someone who acknowledges the gravity of your situation and takes your case seriously. The best family law attorneys put their client’s interests first, prioritize the wellbeing of their children and family, and want what’s best for them.
As long as you have your own goals in mind and explore your options, you should know when you have found the right fit. Trust yourself and trust your lawyer. It will all be okay.
Meet the Team at the Law Office of Robert Castro, P.A.
The process of choosing a divorce attorney can feel overwhelming, but you can get started today. Call the Law Office of Robert Castro, P.A. for a cost-effective initial consultation. You’ll get to meet our experienced team and learn more about our aggressive, results-oriented style.
With your family at stake, you need a lawyer that will fight for your rights and interests. We work tirelessly to do right by you and will be in touch within 24 hours of your call or email.
Speaking of, call us at (301) 705-5253 or contact us online to schedule your first meeting today – you will have 100% of our attention and we can make ourselves available on nights and weekends.
