Divorce is never easy. Understandably, a lot of Americans today still feel some degree of shame about divorce, feeling as if it is a sign of failure. However, getting a divorce does not mean that you failed at anything. Rather, it is important for people considering a divorce to seek out the right kind of divorce help.
Between the assets that need to be divided during a divorce and the inevitable hurt feelings that occur during a split, most people getting divorced do need to be represented by an attorney, even when the divorce is relatively amicable. This is especially true for divorcing couples that share children, in which case family law attorneys familiar with custody issues may be necessary. As there is usually a zero-to-six-month waiting period required after you file for divorce initially, it’s important that you take some time to find a divorce attorney that is right for you and your case. Let’s look into what you should seek in family law attorneys to deal with a divorce.
1. Do Your Research
It’s important that you compile a list of family law attorneys to choose from. Though you may immediately like one more than the others, interview at least three before making a final decision. This allows you to have a range of options to choose from. Look online and ask friends for recommendations, and make sure that the attorney you choose is familiar with the local judges in your area. Though you’ll obviously want to avoid a court case ideally, this is not always possible and you need an attorney that is prepared.
2. Be Wary of Inexperienced Attorneys
It is important to look for family law attorneys that have a great deal of experience when you’re looking to get divorced. While an attorney recommended personally by someone that you know is ideal, that isn’t always attainable. Be wary of red flags while interviewing attorneys that may show they’re inexperienced. Some red flags include disparaging other divorce attorneys while talking to you and being distracted by phone calls and emails during your initial consultation with you. When hiring a divorce lawyer, you need to look for someone who is dedicated to your case, professional, and trustworthy.
3. Be Honest
You need your divorce attorney to be honest and forthright with you, but in turn, you need to be upfront with them. A divorce attorney needs to know everything that you can possibly divulge as soon as possible. If you want to be as amiable as possible during the divorce process, let your attorney know. If you feel that being aggressive is necessary for your divorce and that conflict may be inevitable, they need to know that as well. You and your attorney will talk strategy as your case unfolds, but you should be forthright about your goals.
Nobody ever said that divorce was fun, and there will inevitably be stressors that may impact your divorce over time. However, the more careful you are about hiring your attorney, the better. Your divorce will be highly affected by your ultimate decision.
