Going through a divorce can be a very stressful experience. Whatever people say, it’s going to be an emotional experience for both parties and it gets more complicated when it comes to negotiations (and especially more so if you have kids).
If you are going to go through a divorce, one of the most important things you need to do is to choose a good divorce lawyer. Your divorce lawyer will help you through the whole divorce process and offer advice on what steps to take and explain the options that are available to you.
If you’re on the lookout for a good divorce lawyer, follow these tips:
What are your needs?
Determine what kind of situation you’re in divorce-wise, it will determine what kind of lawyer you need. For example, if you see a lot of battles looming with your ex then you need a savvy lawyer who is well versed in this kind of situation and has the knack for being a ‘shark.’ On the other hand, if your divorce is amicable then you don’t need a bulldog of a lawyer. Talk to different lawyers and ask them about their expertise and what kinds of divorce cases they’re more comfortable handling.
Be in the thick of things
There are people who tend to melt into the background when they’re going through a divorce, preferring their lawyer to handle everything. This shouldn’t be the case. Get involved in your divorce, tell your lawyer that you need to know how what’s happening and tell him that they should present options and choices to you and not make the decisions on their own. This doesn’t mean you won’t listen to your lawyer but it feels good to be in control and that your lawyer explains to you why one option is better than the other.
Look at your lawyer’s history
A good barometer of whether a divorce lawyer will be a good match for you is by looking at their history. Ask to look at their court history or do your research. Determine their track record in court and try to find a pattern – if there are any – in the decisions he make. How were the cases resolved? You should also look at how they treat their clients. Are they forthcoming with information and have no problems explaining things to you? Are you treated well by taking your calls and being easy to book an appointment? These are things that are important in the long run.
Collaboration
A good divorce lawyer should also be a team player. He should be open to working with other services or professionals if you think you need additional expertise in your divorce. For example, you may decide to hire mediation services to help settle any disputes and disagreements. A good divorce lawyer should be able to adjust to this environment.
