When it comes to choosing a family lawyer to represent you in court, the choice is never an easy one. Filing for divorce and establishing a court date is nerve-wracking, to say the least. Throughout the complicated process, it is absolutely vital that you have someone in your corner to help provide legal advice, but where do you start? Well, a good first step is knowing what to avoid in your search for a family law attorney.
Previous Experience
Experience is vital to ensuring the reliability of your divorce lawyer. Ask upfront about their credentials and do your due diligence in reading their reviews online. If a lawyer you are considering hesitates to share their exact credentials and how they can help you in your case, then they may not be a good fit. If they have poor reviews online, ask them about it. Be upfront about what you want in your case, and find a lawyer with a history of getting that for their clients.
Proficiency
If you have gone and hired a divorce lawyer, the screening process should not end there. Many red flags can appear throughout your case, and even after it is closed. You should be receiving updates on your case whenever they arise, even if they seem like insignificant details. You should be informed when anything changes.
As your case progresses, you will inevitably have plenty of questions for your divorce lawyer. In addition to providing legal advice, it is your lawyer’s job to answer each and every one of your questions that may arise. If there is hesitation or delayed responses from your attorney, then it may be a good idea to choose another.
Personability
In terms of measurability, personability can be one of the hardest things to gauge at first glance. More often than not, this red flag is more of a feeling than a measurable fact. If you feel uncomfortable asking your lawyer questions about legal advice, or are confused about the way they treat you, this is a bad sign. Women file for the majority of divorces (about two-thirds), and trusting someone else with all your personal information is very emotionally taxing. If being alone with your lawyer brings any feelings of unease, then it is not a good match.
The process of hiring a divorce lawyer should always be handled carefully. Do not settle for a lawyer that doesn’t answer your questions, takes days to respond, or is foggy about their credentials. In order for the case to be smooth, you need a person that makes you feel secure, safe, and listened to. Reach out to Affordable Divorce Center for the care you deserve.