Divorce Attorney Consultations: 5 Questions to Ask

These days it is estimated that somewhere between a third and half of all marriages are bound to end in divorce. And while nobody thinks on their wedding day that their marital bliss could end in separation and a bitter lawsuit, the truth is that you very nearly have even odds of staying together or getting divorced. Of course, taking the time to get to know someone before you get hitched can probably help you to decide if he or she is THE one. But if you’re already married and contemplating divorce, it might be too late for that. In this case your best bet may be to break the news to your spouse and find yourself a good divorce lawyer. And if your spouse is suing you for divorce, even more reason to contract for the legal services that will protect you. Still, you can’t go with the first Thompson, Dickson, & Harrison you stumble upon. There are several questions you’ll want to ask before you hire a divorce attorney. Here are a few you might find relevant.

1. Do you specialize in family law? This is important. In case you didn’t know, there are attorneys that specialize in different branches of legal practice, such as criminal law, environmental law, personal injury claims, and so on. What you want to find is an attorney that has the legal expertise to handle a divorce, which means a professional that specializes in family law. If you come across an attorney that offers to take on multiple types of cases, it’s probably a good idea to keep looking until you find someone with the education and experience you need.
2. What is your track record? You obviously don’t want to hire someone who has a poor track record of wins and losses. Although there are certainly other things to take into consideration, a lawyer that comes with a proven ability to win or settle out of court in favor of clients is much more likely to get you the divorce settlement you want.
3. What are your rates? Finding the best lawyer possible might not be that difficult. But paying for his services could be another matter entirely. Divorce lawyers that are good at what they do can charge a pretty penny for taking your case. So you want to find out up front what the rates look like, if you can find ways to mitigate them, or if you need to keep searching for an attorney you can afford.
4. What is your strategy for court? Some lawyers are quick to settle while others would rather you had your day in court. The lawyer you hire should be on the same page as you when it comes to how far you’re willing to go in your attempts to dissolve your marriage. Of course, a good lawyer will likely have multiple strategies to cover all of his bases and offer you advice about how to proceed as the case advances.
5. How can I reach a quick and amicable settlement? Whether you hire your Uncle Larry or you opt for a reputable and experienced firm like Campo Blumenfeld Attorneys at Law, you should make sure you understand the most expedient way to finalize your divorce settlement and move on with your life. In some cases it could mean handing over everything and walking away clean. Or you might have to meet with a mediator. On the other hand it could depend largely on your soon-to-be ex. But the right lawyer can give you the advice you need to get through the process as quickly and painlessly as possible.