Divorce is a hectic process that surely takes a toll on someone’s emotional health. Financial splits and child custody battles often accompany it. Your first step is to find and hire a family attorney. During your first visit, you can ask your attorney the following questions.
1. Have you handled divorce cases in my local family court? How many?
Always go for an attorney who has a minimum experience of 4-5 years with your type of cases. You don’t want a newbie lawyer on your case with no experience. He/she should be fluent in the ways of your local court. A local practitioner knows all the inside procedures and can advise you on various strategies.
2. Are you acquainted with my spouse’s lawyer?
If there is bad blood between both lawyers, it can affect your case negatively. Enquire about this before hiring the Divorce Attorney. He/she should be able to work comfortably in the presence of other lawyers. You don’t want to waste your time and money due to someone else’s poor professional skills.
3. Do you have any experience in negotiating financial settlements and child custody?
You should first decide what your goal from the divorce. Your attorney should be able to negotiate financial settlements with the other lawyer. If you are a parent and want child custody, then your attorney should be able to negotiate child custody too.
4. How much will the case cost?
Set a budget. Focus on the attorneys who fit into your budget. Ask about the fee structure and additional costs, such as court filing costs and documentation costs. Get the fee agreement written and signed.
5. Can we talk about the case through phone calls or emails?
Complex cases need more communication. Calls or personal meetings are common ways of conversation with a lawyer. Email is also popular among good lawyers. Ask your attorney which mode he prefers.
6. Are you fluent in family laws?
A Family Attorney and a divorce attorney surprisingly offer almost the same services. Divorce laws lie under family laws. Your attorney should be fluent in family laws.
7. How long will it take for my case to finalize?
Some divorces take a short period, whereas some are time-consuming. Every single day costs money when it comes to cases. An experienced attorney can give you a rough estimate of time, which will help you in budgeting.
8. Can you give me referrals?
It is important to check their credentials beforehand. You can talk to the former clients about the professional expertise of your divorce attorney. You can also read the reviews present online at various sites such as the bar association.
