While 1,985,000 couples get married every year, about 689,300 get divorced. Having an experienced attorney at your side could make all the difference in streamlining the process. Otherwise, you could make an emotionally-driven mistake without legal aid.
Here are seven mistakes with hiring divorce lawyers that you should avoid during your search. Avoiding these common mistakes will ensure you hire an attorney you can depend on.
Start reviewing your options for lawyers using these tips today.
1. Not Reading Reviews
With thousands of lawyers to choose from, narrowing down your options can feel daunting. Streamline your search by speaking with friends, family members, and coworkers in the area. Ask if they can recommend a divorce attorney.
If they recently filed for a divorce, learn more about the process from their firsthand account. They can help you manage your expectations. They can also recommend attorneys or help you determine which ones to avoid.
While gathering referrals, ask about each lawyer’s:
- Experience and specialty
- Track record
- Reputation
- Credentials
- Legal fees
- Law firm and resources
Otherwise, begin your search online. You can find directories on the local bar association or the Martindale-Hubbell law firm websites. Once you have a list of lawyers to choose from, start reading online reviews.
Reading online reviews will help you find a trustworthy lawyer. If the attorneys on your list have complaints against them, keep searching. A lawyer who has a strong, positive reputation will strive to maintain it by prioritizing their clients.
Look for similar complaints that repeat between websites (regarding the lawyer’s professionalism, responsiveness, or other factors).
2. Never Checking Credentials
Once you have a few options for lawyers to choose from, look into their credentials.
First, confirm each lawyer on your list is licensed to practice in the state. You can check the state law association website to confirm their license is active.
Next, determine if the divorce lawyer has any other certifications or credentials that speak to their expertise. Some lawyers are certified by the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA). Lawyers with NITA certifications have advanced skills and expertise in family law advocacy.
You might also find lawyers who are Certified Matrimonial Law Attorneys or Certified Divorce Lending Professionals (CDLPs).
When interviewing local attorneys, ask about their training and certifications. Their credentials could speak to their ability to manage your divorce proceedings.
3. Not Prioritizing Experience
While learning more about each attorney, determine how long they’ve practiced in the state. Laws and procedures vary based on where the paperwork is filed. If the lawyer doesn’t have local experience, remove them from your list.
Determine how much experience with divorces they have as well. Consider how long they’ve specialized in family law and how many divorces they’ve handled in the past year.
A lawyer with years of experience with divorces won’t make rookie mistakes. They’ll understand the paperwork and procedures involved.
Determine if the lawyer specializes in specific circumstances surrounding divorce law, too. For example, they might specialize in negotiations, court, or mediation. They might have more experience regarding child custody that aligns with your needs as well.
Before choosing a divorce lawyer, consider the circumstances surrounding your divorce. For example, you might need a lawyer who specializes in high-net-worth divorces. Finding someone with the experience specific to your needs can help you accomplish your goals.
4. Never Meeting in Person
As you begin narrowing down your options, schedule in-person consultation meetings with at least three local attorneys. Meeting them in person will help you fill in any gaps in your online research. It can also help you determine if the attorney is an ideal fit based on your needs.
Don’t make the mistake of arriving without preparing beforehand. Instead, draft questions such as:
- Where did you complete your education
- How long have you specialized in family law
- How often do you handle divorces
- What fee structure do you follow
- What legal process/strategy do you recommend
Pay attention to how the attorney speaks or acts during the meeting. For example, do they tend to interrupt you? Do they listen to your concerns and goals?
After the meeting, consider how comfortable you were around the attorney. Filing for divorce is an emotional process. Don’t choose an attorney who will make the process even more stressful.
5. Neglecting Their Process
Talk to each attorney about the details surrounding your divorce. Then, ask what strategy they would recommend. Ask what outcome they expect as well.
Discuss the local divorce laws. You can learn more about the divorce law in this state here.
The attorney shouldn’t give you a guarantee about the outcome of your divorce. Instead, they should help you maintain realistic expectations about the process ahead. They should also help you review the different options available to ensure you make an informed choice.
6. Choosing Too Quickly
Don’t rush when choosing an attorney. Instead, do your due diligence and gather research. Learn as much as you can about their recent cases or work history as well.
Learning about their case history can tell you how they operate. It can also help you prepare for your own divorce.
7. Never Comparing Costs
When meeting each attorney, make sure to ask about their fee structure. For example, do they work on a retainer or hourly rate?
Don’t choose the cheapest divorce lawyer you can find. Comparing lawyer fees can help you determine the average cost of legal fees in the area. If one attorney’s pricing is extremely higher than the rest, determine why.
Avoid These Mistakes With Hiring Divorce Lawyers
Don’t make these mistakes with hiring divorce lawyers. Instead, do your due diligence to find someone with years of experience with divorces. Their prior experience could simplify the process as you file your divorce.
Choose an experienced attorney you can count on today.
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