When people go through a divorce, there is usually at least one time when they wonder if they hired the right lawyer. After all, not all divorce attorneys are created equal, and frankly–not all divorce attorneys are the same. In fact, each one is different from the other in their expertise, approach and the services they offer, in addition to how they handle the counselor aspect of being an attorney.
The present vs. absent counselor
One of the most important things to look for -or evaluate your current attorney on– is how they are there for you when you need them. Much like bedside manner in medicine, attorneys have an obligation to respond to your queries within a reasonable period of time and keep you updated on how your case is going.
Specialization and experience
There are many programs that allow attorneys to learn more about a specific area of law, but that does not necessarily mean they “specialize” in that area. Consider, for example, certain bodies that certify attorneys for actually spending time and money on a specialization. These exist, making the “specialist” word one that attorneys should be wary of and more explicit as to what they mean.
Approach to divorce
Every attorney has their approach in resolving divorce cases. Some advocate for a collaborate process and prefer to work with cases that are not contested. Other attorneys are trial attorneys and are happy to fight things out in court. Choosing which not only considers what you want but also what the other party hired.
Communication style
Effective communication is critical during any divorce. Every lawyer you meet, though, will have their own version of this. For this reason, you should speak with your attorney to ensure that you are both on the same page. If they prefer to email (in order to keep records) and you prefer speaking on the phone, you will have to decide if you can live with that.
It is understandable when divorce clients are confused not only about the law, but also about who to hire. Not all attorneys are the same, and if a client is not in the legal industry or doesn’t have a family member or friend in the legal industry, they will not have an answer to this question. The best way to move forward is to know what to ask attorneys when you interview them to ensure that they meet your needs. After all, you will be paying this person a substantial amount of money.