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Choosing a Divorce Attorney
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By: XSTILLA.COM
Outside of your close friends and family, your divorce attorney will have perhaps the deepest impact on your success and emotional health after your marriage ends. For this reason, use caution and wisdom in choosing the attorney who will best suit your needs.
First and foremost, you need a person with whom you feel comfortable. Trust, at this vulnerable time, should not be extended in haste. Interview potential lawyers over the phone.
You want a counsel who is skilled at his or her craft. Research the win-loss record of your lawyer – and bear in mind the record of the lawyer your soon-to-be-ex has employed, if the divorce is likely to turn nasty.
Usually, initial consultations are free, so don’t choose too quickly – if you have the time, shop around. Interview as many attorneys as you have time for before deciding on the one best suited for your particular set of circumstances. You will be thankful in the long run that you took the extra time in the decision making process. (Of course, if you strike gold, don’t hesitate to grab the perfect lawyer when he or she comes along.)
Assess your budget and make a realistic assessment of what kind of lawyer you can afford. Divorce is not usually a time when your financial reserves are at their maximum; some thriftiness can extend your budget.
For example, most attorneys charge by the hour, but bill in 15 minute increments. Ask up front what the 15-minute billing rate is. To keep costs low, write all your questions down during the week, and call on Friday – and try for a 15-minute or 30-minute conversation. Don’t make small talk – your lawyer is usually happy to hear all about how your car is running, but remember that the clock is running too. Brevity will steer the conversation swiftly toward its goal.
Ask your attorney about payment options. Many will allow you to pay an initial deposit and affordable monthly payments until litigation is complete. Most states also have legal aid set up for just this circumstance. Call the bar association of your particular state to obtain a list of attorneys willing to do pro bono work.
As with most all things in life, word of mouth is the most trustworthy kind of advertising. We all know divorced people. Be bold enough to ask who their lawyer was, and if they were pleased with the outcome of the case. Most people who have gone through a divorce are not put off by the interest; rather, they find it an opportunity to offer wisdom gleaned from a difficult time in their life. Who do the people you trust, trust? Those you love share your values, so they may be a more reliable litmus test than a yellow pages ad.
As in all areas of life at this difficult time, utilize the resources that surround you. The local bar association, the legal aid department of your state and the wisdom of your family and friends are all within your reach. You may not have wanted a divorce, but you need to know what you want in a lawyer.
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