By now, we understand that many marriages don’t always last. There are plenty of reasons that a marriage fails. Yet, when this happens, you know that speaking with a divorce lawyer and choosing the right one to take your case is inevitable.
2.3 out of every 1,000 marriages end in divorce. Keeping marriage intact isn’t the most straightforward task. Often the only way to save that relationship or dissolve it is to put an end to it.
If you’re getting ready to divorce your partner, there are a couple of things you want to keep in mind when choosing your divorce lawyer. Below you’ll find a couple of questions that are worth pondering.
1. How Long Have You and Your Practice Taken Divorce Cases?
One of the areas you want to feel confident about is that your prospective lawyer has experience. It is well within your realm of questions to ask about the practice’s prior experience. In your interview, be sure to ask about the history of the office and vague information regarding their past client history.
While your prospective divorce lawyer will not be able to give you specific accounts, they can give you an estimate regarding their prior cases. Be sure that you’re comfortable with the odds that they tell you. Nothing is more important to your case than your comfort level with your attorneys.
2. What Is Your Estimation of Case Length?
All cases are fundamentally different and may take longer or shorter depending on the defendants. Getting a general sense of what your lawyer expects can be a trivial part of estimation. It is perfectly acceptable to ask your divorce lawyer what they think in terms of time.
A general estimation of time may be able to be assessed, given your case and your lawyer’s experience. Choosing a divorce lawyer for the process is never an easy task.
3. Is Mediation Something Your Team Gravitates Toward?
Depending on what your divorce looks like, you and your ex may be hoping for a simple mediation. You will want to find out in advance how your divorce lawyer feels regarding mediation. Are they in support of talking things through instead of turning it into a court proceeding?
Discuss their thoughts on your case and what they feel is suitable for the best possible outcome for all parties involved in the divorce.
4. What Am I Looking at for Expenses?
Plenty of costs come along with your lawyer. One of the questions to ask your divorce lawyer is how much they charge for things such as their retainer. Budgeting for your attorney is one area that you’re going to need to make sure to do.
A good layer is worth the price tag; they’re working with you to assure that the divorce goes as positively as possible and gets you the outcome that you’re working to achieve.
5. How Long Can I Expect Responses to Take?
Getting a divorce comes with a lot of attention to detail that needs to be taken. On your divorce consultation checklist, ask how long it typically takes for the attorney to get back to you. During this process, you need a lawyer who’s going to have the time to respond decently when it comes to any of your important questions.
It is a great idea to ask if there are plans in place if the lawyer is too busy to get back to your questions immediately. Is there someone else you can contact to get a resolution to your questions?
Keep in mind that no question is ever going to be responded to immediately. You have to give time for reciprocation and for questions to be carefully crafted and responded to.
6. Can I Have Copies of All Documentation?
One area that you want to ask about when it comes to divorce lawyer questions is if they’re going to print out all of the documentation that goes along with your case. For your records, you want to make sure you have copies. If you ever need something specific to go back to, you’ll have it in your hands.
Keep all of these documents in an easy-to-locate place.
7. What Paperwork and Evidence Is Needed From Me?
To be prepared for the rest of your divorce case, you will want to know what the lawyers need from you. Be sure to make a detailed list of what they expect. By doing this, everyone is kept on the same page and you are both prepared for the proceedings in the weeks to follow.
All of the documents and paperwork that your lawyer asks for will be relevant to your case. You want a solid divorce case that benefits both parties and you can find comfort in the resolution. Your lawyer will ask for all documentation so that this can take place.
8. Do You Feel as if My Case Is the Right Fit for You?
Not all lawyers and clients will see eye to eye. You need a lawyer who understands you and is willing to work with you when it comes to settling your case for you and your significant other. Finding a lawyer who respects you and knowing that is mutual will be beneficial.
As your lawyer, if they feel comfortable taking on your case. You want an individual who is on board with the resolution of your marriage and will work just as hard to get you the best possible outcome.
Choose the Right Divorce Lawyer
It is a big decision to be able to choose the correct divorce lawyer. Talk through all of your areas of concern. Take a notebook to document any information you’d like to retain.
Getting a divorce is a taxing process for everyone involved. Be sure that you’re comfortable with the individual who is handling your case.
For all other inquiries, take a look through our other articles. We have the information that you’ve been searching for.
