When you’re going through a divorce, it’s difficult to know where to turn. Few of us have any prior legal expertise with the complexities of this challenging process. In any divorce coaching practice, you might hear too many stories of clients wasting time and money as they go from lawyer to lawyer looking for the proper one. Finding the correct divorce lawyer, on the other hand, could be the difference between a quick and inexpensive divorce and a long, drawn-out emotional and financial nightmare. But how do you know you’re spending all of your money, aspirations, and goals in the appropriate divorce lawyer if you don’t know what to look for?
To choose a divorce attorney who is a good fit for you such as Tarrant County Divorce Lawyers, follow these seven steps:
1. Be realistic in your expectations.
To begin, you must understand that divorce is a legal process that is solely for the goal of dividing your assets and resolving custody disputes. Your divorce attorney’s goal is to represent you in this process to the best of his or her ability. While you may wish for them to listen to your rage, frustration, grief, and despair, this is not their role. They are not qualified to serve as your therapist or coach, and they have no desire to do so. If you’re utilizing your money this way, it’s a waste of money because your attorney’s charges are greater and the clock is always ticking. And divorce lawyers have witnessed it all. As a result, be realistic about your divorce attorney’s responsibilities and what you may anticipate from them.
2. Maintain your attention on the goal.
Your ultimate goal in this procedure is to get divorced, and perhaps you’ll be able to do so without a significant reduction in your standard of living. When it comes to arguing over material items that don’t matter much to you in the larger picture, don’t let your emotions take control. If you do, your divorce will take longer, be more contentious, and cost more money than it would otherwise. Is it really worth it? No. So concentrate on getting divorced as soon as possible and with as little financial damage as possible. What kind of divorce will do that for you?
3. Make sure you know what you want.
Consider other options to traditional litigation before you rush out to employ a divorce attorney. You could engage a mediator to help you negotiate the terms of your divorce if you aren’t completely involved with children and cash. Mediation is the quickest and least expensive option to divorce, and you may not even need an attorney! You’ll need to employ a divorce lawyer to negotiate a settlement with your spouse’s attorney if your negotiation is more involved. Alternatively, you could want to try a collaborative divorce. Negotiation is the emphasis of a collaborative divorce, with the objective of maintaining a co-parenting partnership. A litigated trial is your final recourse. This is usually the case when neither party is willing to compromise. As a result, you must evaluate which type of divorce lawyer you require based on your specific circumstances. Recognize that each divorce attorney you speak with will try to guide you toward their area of specialization. It’s up to you to figure out what you want first so that you can make the best decision possible.
4. Make a list of at least three possible attorneys.
Don’t hire the first lawyer you come across. They aren’t all created equal. Before making a selection, find as least three divorce attorneys to interview. Obviously, you’ll need to hire a family law specialist with knowledge in the form of divorce you believe is ideal for you. The ideal lawyer will have the legal expertise and experience you require, will assist you in understanding the process, will communicate and negotiate effectively, will solve difficulties imaginatively, and will be familiar with your particular court system. So you’ll need one that’s close by. Regardless of whether your divorce will go to trial, your lawyer needs to be familiar with the family law judges in your area so that he or she can provide you with sound legal advice. How do you go about locating possible attorneys? Request personal recommendations from your friends. Request divorce attorney referrals from your trust or estate lawyer. Visit one of the many websites that provide client reviews of attorneys in your area.
5. Conduct interviews and research on potential lawyers.
Begin by making a phone call. Inquire about their family law experience and specialty. Inquire about the kind of clients they frequently represent. Ask about their fees. Most divorce lawyers bill on an hourly basis and need a retainer, which is a payment made in advance. Some lawyers will also work out fee arrangements depending on expected payouts. If a meeting is out of your price range, don’t spend your time (or theirs). Most Divorce Lawyers Tarrant County offer a free consultation to discuss your individual case and how they would approach it legally. Take advantage of this opportunity to obtain as much legal guidance as possible!
Financial specialists, parenting coordinators, coach facilitators, and forensic appraisers may all be involved in the divorce process. Find out if your lawyer has access to these resources and if any of them are relevant to your case, as this will affect the ultimate cost of your case. Even if you don’t intend to go to trial, look at the attorney’s trial record and track record of success in the courtroom. This track record is a good sign of your lawyer’s ability to negotiate.
6. Keep an eye out for red flags.
Unfortunately, many lawyers will say whatever you want to hear in order to clinch the deal. They treat your life like a business, even though it is your life. There are no assurances in this procedure, so don’t believe anything an attorney says. If they aren’t courteous of the other divorce attorneys you’re interviewing, you can bet they won’t be respectful of you. And if they’re continually distracted by phone calls and emails throughout your consultation and can’t focus only on you, they’re unlikely to do so during your divorce case. Make certain that the lawyer you hire follows the industry’s professional ethics and treats you with the respect and care you deserve. It’s their business, but it’s also your life.
