The unfortunate fact of life when it comes to relationships is that many of them end in divorce. Inevitably, circumstances and people change over time and it can become clear that change is in order.
Hiring the right person to represent you during a stressful period in your life can make all the difference. In fact, the right Divorce Lawyer can save you money, time, and unnecessary worry.
Before you begin the search, be prepared, and arm yourself with a plan. Keep this checklist for hiring a divorce lawyer close as you decide who to guide you to triumph in the divorce process.
- Research law firm options Visit websites and read about the company’s team and client reviews. Ask for references from friends or family that have gone through a divorce themselves. Someone’s else’s experience can end up saving you money and help avoid hiring a lawyer with a poor reputation who does not respect client needs.
- Ask if the law office offers a free legal consultation or charges a nominal fee for an hour of consult. If you feel comfortable and confident from the get-go, go with your intuition. However, if you feel you are not being heard or are just being talked at, keep looking. Better to pay for an hour of getting to know a lawyer that doesn’t work for you than wasting an entire divorce on one.
- Prepare and equip yourself to answer some difficult questions. A good divorce lawyer doesn’t only offer legal advice. He or she may ask if children are involved, if there were any instances of abuse, or about the specifics of your financial situation. Write everything down ahead of your legal appointment. If you feel comfortable with the lawyer, you should be okay sharing the intimacies of your marriage so he or she can best represent your interests in a court of law. Moreover, choose someone you feel comfortable being open and honest with who is compatible with your principles.
- Ask for the fee structure upfront. You do not want to hire a divorce lawyer you simply cannot afford. Additionally, it is important to know what you need to budget for ahead of the game. Divorce lawyer fees can vary greatly; ask about hourly rates (including extra expenses) and what is included in fees.
- Furthermore, avoid scrambling to find essential paperwork or legal documents later on—this will delay the process as well as waste time and money. Instead, arrange to have important information at the ready for your Divorce Lawyer. Write down all details regarding children, current living situations, salaries, the value of property and assets, bank account balances, present debt, and so on.
The end of a relationship is sad, at any rate. A decent Divorce Lawyer helps protect your rights with your budget in mind. He or she is also mindful of keeping tensions to a minimum.
Saanichton Law Group is here to help you gather more information about hiring a Divorce Lawyer. Our law office is happy to help you take the first step in turning the page to the next chapter of your life.
