Factors to Look into When Selecting a Good Divorce Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer for your divorce is a vital decision. If the marriage you are leaving is long-term and involves children, loans, and assets, you will need a lawyer with the necessary experience. Divorces are surrounded with confusion but if you get a lawyer who will represent you well, the rest will go well. Explained below are factors you need to consider when choosing a divorce lawyer.
Consider your comfort. You should ask yourself if or not you are comfortable with the lawyer and if you are certain about his abilities. Check if your lawyer is genuinely concerned with your case and if he is ready to spend the time he is needed to represent you. It may take some time before you know if you are making the right decision but do not rush to hire a divorce lawyer until you are sure he is the right one for your case.
Ensure fees are taken into account. When planning a first-time appointment with a divorce lawyer ask them about consultation fee. While a number of lawyers ask for the consultation fee, others offer consultation free of charge. Ask a divorce lawyer how much he charges per hour, how much upfront retainer is, if a portion of the retainer that is not used is refundable and after how long you will be receiving invoices showing their hourly charges. To avoid paying extra costs as your case proceeds, ensure the contract you sign has a clear statement of the fee agreement.
Ensure communication is keenly checked. It is important that you choose a divorce lawyer who is not only accessible but also timely in answering your emails, calls, and requests for meetings. You should not only ensure you are happy with the level of communication but with the connection between you and the lawyer also. Connection is necessary because, in the course of your divorce case, there may be the need for you to open up about very vital details. If you there is no connection, avoid the lawyer as you will be limited in your sharing, something that can affect the outcome of your case.
Make sure experience is paid attention to. Any lawyer you consider hiring should be much experienced in handling divorce cases similar to yours. An experienced lawyer knows how the judges in your area handle divorce matters hence using this to form a strategy to your case. Moreover, the lawyer has argued for clients with more complicated cases thus will represent your case well. Also, having represented many divorce clients is a sign of reliability.