As unfortunate as it can be, “for better or worse” doesn’t always work for every marriage. If you and your partner feel ready to call it quits and your next step is hiring a divorce lawyer, it can be an overwhelming milestone. What happens next? Who do you approach? How do you even begin the process?
As painful and emotional as it is, the legal aspect is one area that should help you feel a little more relaxed. A knowledgeable, well-respected divorce lawyer will guide you through the separation and paperwork as painlessly as possible. If you are in the very early stages and are unsure how to go about hiring a divorce lawyer, here are a few essential questions to ask during the hiring process.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
Fees range all across the board depending on which state you live in, and of course, a higher-end attorney is not going to be cheap. However, the average cost of a divorce lawyer is a retainer fee of about $3,000 to $5,000 all throughout the country.
If you can find an affordable divorce lawyer, fees will be lower. Some divorce law firms, such as the Affordable Divorce Center, offer a wide range of services right in one place including mediation services, family law services, and more. Understand the terms and conditions of any divorce lawyers you look into.
What If We Have Children?
It’s a difficult and emotional time when kids are involved in a divorce. When hiring a divorce lawyer, it is a better idea to find a family law provider instead of a general divorce attorney. Family law attorneys specialize in situations just like yours and are well-versed in the laws and loopholes surrounding child custody in your state.
Family law providers are also fantastic at putting little ones at ease. The end of a marriage is hard on everybody, not just the couple, and it’s worth investing in someone who makes it their business to find a healthy outcome for the children. If you’re curious about what kinds of services are offered, contact a local family law office to ask a family lawyer specific questions.
No matter how long you’ve been married, sometimes it simply doesn’t work out in the long run. Interestingly, couples that spend at least three years dating are about 39% less likely to end up divorcing, but even those numbers can be below. The pain of a divorce sends shockwaves through the whole family, but the actual process doesn’t need to be any more painful than it already is. When you take the time to find an appropriate divorce attorney for your situation, the family struggles just a little bit less.