Questions to Ask When You Are Choosing a Divorce Lawyer
Reaching the decision to divorce is never easy. Once the option is on the table, however, it’s important to choose a divorce lawyer whose experience and knowledge you can trust. Your lawyer will need to know many intimate details about your life, so trustworthiness, as well as experience in divorce and family law, is key.
Here are several questions to ask when seeking a divorce lawyer:
1. Does the lawyer practice only family law?
Lawyers gain experience in the law through handling cases and assisting clients. An attorney who focuses his or her practice solely on family law will have more experience and knowledge in this area than an attorney who merely “dabbles.” Also, look for attorneys who have given presentations, taught classes, or written books or articles on family law topics.
2. How well does the lawyer know the judges, attorneys, mediators, and experts in your area who are commonly involved in family law cases?
The more deeply an attorney is engaged in practicing family law or divorce law in your community, the more likely it is that he or she has built strong working relationships with judges, other lawyers, and mediators. These relationships help your lawyer anticipate specific challenges in your case and address them before they become insurmountable obstacles.
3. Do you feel comfortable telling your lawyer the details of your case?
Divorce cases often bring a number of personal feelings and personal details to the front. The more honest you can be with your lawyer – even when it is difficult – the easier it is for your attorney to advocate for the best outcomes. Choose a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable confiding these details. You can even ask attorneys how they handle confidentiality issues; many law offices have specific procedures and methods for ensuring the confidentiality of their clients’ information.
If you’re considering divorce, talking to an experienced divorce lawyer can help you understand your options and choose the path that’s right for you. To learn more, contact attorney Lois Garber Schwartz today.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.