Hiring a lawyer during a divorce is usually always your best option, especially given the complications of assets, finances, and custody. It can be tempting to hire the first lawyer you meet as getting divorced is stressful enough without the internal debate of who is best for the job. However, you can save yourself a lot of hassle and financial stress by simply choosing the right lawyer. To help you pursue the most beneficial legal action, this article will help you understand and prepare what questions to ask a divorce lawyer before hiring, so that you can make the best of a complex situation.
How Will I Be Charged?
Understanding the payment structure implemented by your lawyer or their firm will help you make a better decision on who to hire. Although charging by the hour is the most common method of payment, there are attorneys who will charge a fixed fee.
If you’re choosing a lawyer who charges by the hour, then it’s important to ask whether the time spent on consultation phone calls, e-mails, and other ad-hoc duties will be added to your bill. You may also need to consider whether you have to pay a retainer fee and if the lawyer has different rates for in-court and out of court.
Do You Specialize in Family Law?
There are many complicated elements that constitute the American legal system. There are plenty of nuances, exceptions, rules, and precedents that need to be considered in each area. As the law is incredibly expansive, it’s often wise to pick a divorce lawyer who specializes in family law. This is because they will have a much more in-depth understanding of the law that applies to you and can provide legal specialist information and tips.
How Long Have You Been Specializing in Family Law?
Another important category to consider when thinking about what questions to ask a divorce lawyer before hiring them is their area of expertise. Experience means a lot when it comes to law. Someone who has been around for a while will have come across various problems and issues, therefore providing them with the knowledge to solve legal quandaries. This can also lead you into questions about the number of cases they have handled and their success rate.
Negotiation or Trial?
Certain lawyers will have a set way of handling divorce proceedings and may lean more towards negotiating or going to trial. If you’re set about one way of doing things and this is different to your lawyer, then it will make it harder for you to get the divorce settlement you want.
How Does the Lawyer Communicate with You?
Understanding the methods your lawyer will use for communicating with you will solve a lot of hassle. Clear communication is important between yourself and your lawyer as you can arrive at a better agreement and handle the divorce proceedings in the correct manner. Furthermore, it’s important that you set communication expectations for your lawyer so that you don’t miss any important information.
Conflict of Interest Questions
You need to know that your lawyer will fight your corner, so it’s important to ask your lawyer whether they know your spouse or the lawyer they may have hired. Even if it’s a passing connection, it could be enough for your lawyer to favor a settlement that benefits the other party rather than yourself.
Check Their Practices
Checking whether your lawyer has ever had any trouble with the Bar or been subject to any legal scandal is important. You don’t want to receive a poor settlement because your lawyer hasn’t acted above board or is seen to be shady. It’s your right to know whether they have always been committed to following strict practices and codes of conduct in their career.