Once you know the different types of lawyers available, you will be better prepared should you find yourself considering the option of divorce. But knowing which type of lawyer you need and finding the right lawyer for you are two different things. Choosing your divorce lawyer is the first step toward successfully navigating what can be very murky waters.
Knowing how to find a lawyer is important.
First off, you need to consider exactly what kind of legal representation you require. Do you need mediation or are you seeking a no contest divorce? Is it likely to be an amicable split or will it involve quite a bit of potentially nasty legal wrangling? The answers to these questions can help point you in the right direction when choosing an attorney.
Once you have found your way through the various different types of lawyers, you need to get an idea of the divorce attorneys who are available in your area or are licensed to practice in whatever location the divorce proceedings will be handled. You can check your local yellow pages or such online resources as lawyers.com and compile a list of names; then it’s time to begin narrowing your choices.
The most important factor in knowing how to find a lawyer is doing your homework.
Consult any and all resources available to you, including the state bar association, Internet resources and personal recommendations from friends, family members and acquaintances. All can be very helpful in determining the qualifications of a particular attorney.
At this point, you should be able to get past considering different types of lawyers and zero in on specific attorneys. Once you have a short list of names, you can make an initial phone call to each, which can tell you a lot about how an attorney operates. If the office staff seems professional, courteous and eager to answer your questions, then chances are the attorney will be the same.
When considering how to find a lawyer, you want to look for someone who is experienced, capable and does not have any potential conflicts of interest. You can ask for a brochure from his or her office to get a better idea of the general office practices and you should always ask to see a copy of the lawyer’s retainer document before you sign it. If you have any questions, be sure to ask them before you put your signature on anything.
Another important factor in choosing a lawyer is seeing what kind of professional associations he/she has.
There may be different types of lawyers, but they often have to work together and having affiliates in other areas of the law can be an asset. So too can being a member in long standing of various professional groups. All of this speaks toward credibility and a solid reputation.
So now you know how to find a lawyer, but that doesn’t mean that you should be rushing out to find one. Divorce can be destructive for every member of a family, so it should always be a last resort. But if you find yourself facing that difficult choice, then the best thing you can do for yourself and your family is to ensure that you have a good attorney on your side.
It is important to understand that a lawyer is not always necessary with divorce. At Divorce With Dignity we specialize in helping you avoid court when possible and find an amicable solution to your divorce. Contact a Provider near you to learn how.
The author of this blog is not an attorney and the information contained in these blogs should not be considered legal advice. The information provided here is based on the experience of the author and some of her clients whose actual names are not mentioned. Do not hesitate to seek the advice of an attorney if you have any legal questions.
