How to Choose the Right Divorce Attorney
Outside of going through a divorce or family law case, selecting a divorce attorney or family law attorney can be one of the most difficult decisions to make. If this is the first time you have needed the services of an attorney, you are not alone. It is very common for people to go years without needing the services of an attorney. In fact, most people tend to only retain an attorney when they are faced with a legal issue and need help.
Whether you are thinking about starting a divorce or family law case or are in the middle of one, at some point, you may realize you need to hire an attorney. But then the question becomes, how do I find the right attorney?
This can be a very difficult question to answer. But, it is a very important question, especially given the magnitude and impact that a divorce or family law case can have on your life and potentially the life of your children.
For most people, the first step is to ask for recommendations from friends, family members, or co-workers. This is a very common practice, as we tend to trust the advice and/or recommendations of our closest personal contacts. These individuals may be able to provide you a recommendation based on their own personal experience. This may point you in the direction of a specific attorney, but this referral alone may not result in finding the right attorney for you. I will elaborate on this point in greater detail below.
Besides personal recommendations, many people search online for an attorney. This process may result in numerous search results and leave you feeling overwhelmed by all the options. While at the same time, it may make you feel no more confident in choosing an attorney. You may be able to narrow the search by reading online reviews, such as, Google Reviews.
Whether you were referred to a specific attorney or found one online, the next step and probably the most crucial step, is the consultation.
Most divorce or family law attorneys offer a free consultation. This is your opportunity to share some information about the issues facing your life. But more importantly, it is your opportunity to gauge whether the attorney is the right choice for you.
Do not let a fancy office or website persuade you into thinking that the attorney is the best and ultimately the right choice. These appearances do not always translate into quality of service. The key focus should be on the personal connection you have with the attorney.
When you retain an attorney, you are entering into an attorney-client relationship. Yes, a relationship. Like any other human relationship, there must be an understanding of the expectations of each person. You should have expectations of your attorney and your attorney should inform you of their expectations of you. If both, the attorney and yourself, fully understand and uphold the expectations, there is a very strong likelihood that you will have a good experience with the attorney.
You should ask the attorney what they expect from you. But more importantly, you should express your expectations. Ask questions. You should end the consultation feeling confident that your expectations will be achieved.
For instance, do you feel confident in the experience of the attorney? Does the attorney genuinely care about you? Do you feel comfortable with the attorney? Do you have a clear understanding as to how communication will occur moving forward and how quickly a response will be received?
The list can go on and on. But, the reality is, you need to find an attorney that you feel most comfortable with and one which aligns with your expectations. As such, one attorney may be a good choice for your friend, but not for you.
Unfortunately, some people do not think about these things during the consultation and upon retaining an attorney. It is only later on, when their expectations are not met, that they feel unsatisfied. Do not make the same mistake.
