Finding the Perfect Divorce Attorney

Finding the right divorce attorney can feel like an overwhelming task. And yet it is so very important. Getting a divorce is a huge experience that affects every aspect of your life. It is worth extra time and effort on your part to find a divorce attorney who will represent you exactly the way you want/need to be represented.

As you initiate your search, ask for recommendations. Therapists, clergy, physicians and other folks who have gotten a divorce are all good sources of information.

Telephone Interview

Your first contact with a lawyer is likely to be the phone call you make to his or her office. Pay attention to the following:

• How easy was it to contact this person? Was your phone call returned promptly? Generally you are going to want to know about this person's availability and accessibility - two vital components of the attorney/client relationship.

• Did he/she listen to you and answer your questions?

• Did he/she seem rushed or impatient?

• What was the tone? Think twice about hiring someone who is cold, distracted, and/or condescending.

• Is he/she willing to meet with you for an introductory meeting at a reduced or no fee?

Prepare for Your Appointment

Make a list of questions you want answered. This will help you make the most of your time. Never forget that the meter is usually running! A list and some forethought will also help you stay focused and on track.

Here are some questions to ask:

• What is your specialty? Are you trained in family law, specifically divorce and child custody? What is your primary caseload focus?

• How long have you been in practice?

• What is your fee schedule? Do you offer a payment plan? What retainer do you require? What is your hourly rate? What is your cost estimate for this case?

• Do you charge for telephone calls and/or e-mail time? If so, how much?

• How frequently do you return phone calls?

• How will you keep me informed regarding the progress of my case?

• Will I primarily be working with you or an associate?

• Do you have experience handling all types of divorce cases?

• How do you handle disagreements when you and your client disagree?

• What are your beliefs about marriage and divorce? Are you a parent? Are you divorced?

• Are you comfortable settling cases rather than going to court?

• How do you feel about litigation?

• Don't be bullied. This person works for you. You are paying him or her to represent you.

• You must have complete confidence in your divorce attorney. Look for someone who is competent, trustworthy and reliable. As a general rule, stay away from using attorneys who are family friends. This gets sticky really fast. In general, if you feel uneasy,find another attorney.

• Be completely truthful. Your divorce attorney needs every shred of information to be able to adequately represent you.

• Be prepared to hear some bad news. You want your attorney to be completely forthcoming with you, even if the news is bad.

• You aren't hiring your divorce attorney to be your friend.

• Never use the same attorney as your spouse.

• If you are not satisfied that your attorney is doing the best at representing you, say so. Ask for what you need. If your attorney's work remains unsatisfactory, find a new attorney.

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