Going through a divorce is a significant life event. No matter how friendly things are between you and your partner, the process is sure to bring up some tough questions and be stressful at times. With so many options out there, it can be difficult to figure out your best move forward as a divorce lawyer knows all too well. While retaining an attorney is not your only option, seeking counsel is usually a good idea and can end up saving you time, money, and headache in the long-run. But how do you know which divorce attorney is right for you?
What Kind Of Experience Should My Divorce Attorney Have?
Did you know that not all divorce attorneys are family lawyers? A family lawyer handles cases having to do with significant family changes; this includes divorce, but also includes things like child custody, child support, prenuptial agreements, and more. When it comes to experience, the number of years a lawyer has practiced does matter, but so does the number and types of cases. And remember to consider things like the school they went to, any internships they’ve had, and the caliber of firms they’ve worked for and argued against.
What Is A Certified Family Law Specialist?
Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) is an elite designation obtained from the State Bar by family law attorneys who have gone above and beyond the requirements for their practice area. As our friends at Skarin Law Group can explain, getting the certification is a challenging process that demands these family attorneys must:
- Pass a written exam
- Practice continuously for at least five years, with at least one year being in family law
- Complete continuing education in family law that goes beyond what is required for licensure
- Be evaluated favorably by judges and other lawyers who are familiar with their work in family law
- Demonstrate strong experience in different types of family law cases
Family law attorneys must be recertified every five years if they want to keep their CFLS certification. This distinguished status requires continued dedication and knowledge, meaning that CFLS attorneys are highly qualified, and also might charge more than regular family attorneys.
Consider Different Sources To Get The Best Idea Of Their Reputation
Starting with a Google search will give you some insight into what clients are saying about the lawyer you’re considering. It’s a good idea to read the review, especially the most recent ones, to better understand any unsatisfactory ones; sometimes people leave 1 star without ever having spoken to the lawyer and that can skew Google ratings significantly.
In addition to Google ratings, consider sources like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and Best Lawyers for even more reviews. And remember to consider any professional memberships like the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML).
Make Sure Their Availability Works For You
It’s a good idea to check the attorney’s availability to see if their timelines match up with yours. Asking about their caseload can also help to give you a sense of how much time they will be able to dedicate to your case, which is especially important if your divorce will be complicated.
Discuss The Attorney’s Approach To Cases
A wise tip is looking for someone who knows when to fight. Attorney fees can rack up very quickly so you’ll want to understand how much time it will take to do things their way. Are they chasing less money than they’ll end up costing you?
Be Smart About Your Budget
Not all attorneys offer free consultations, and that isn’t a bad thing. Consider whether you’re willing to pay for a comprehensive consultation, which could give you a better idea about what to expect from the process than a quick free consultation. You don’t want to be penny-wise and pound foolish when that could mean years of added stress. Before you sign any retainer, be clear about what fees might be long-term and whether or not that’s something you can realistically afford.
Referrals Are Gold
Ask your friends! Word-of-mouth can lead to some great results. And the added benefit of asking for referrals is that you can have a dialogue with someone and ask questions, as opposed to reading a limited review. Aim to get a better feeling about that person’s situation and priorities so that you can decide if the person they liked might also be a good fit for you. And it goes both ways. Just because a family lawyer wasn’t the right fit for your friend’s case doesn’t mean you wouldn’t like them.
But friends and the Facebook community are not the only place to go to for referrals. Wealth managers, other types of attorneys, and even real estate agents might have developed relationships with family law attorneys and can point you in the right direction.
Compatibility Can Make All The Difference
Ultimately, you want to find someone who is a good personal fit for you. Trust your instincts, and pick the attorney who makes you feel supported and confident. Even the best credentials won’t make up for a bad match, which can make the potentially long process of working together quite painful. At the end of the day, you are a team, and compatibility can make all the difference in your experience.
There are plenty of great lawyers out there. Doing your homework, having an open communication, and going with your gut will help you decide how to pick the one that’s best for you.
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