Puja Sachdev | July 4, 2023 | Divorce
The decision to divorce your partner should not be made lightly. Similarly, you should avoid rushing the decision of which divorce lawyer to select for representation. Choosing an unqualified attorney or one you do not work well with can make an already difficult process even more emotionally challenging.
What You Need to Know Before Hiring Your Attorney
The more information you have about your lawyer and their approach to your divorce case, the easier it will be to decide whether to trust them to represent you. Here are nine questions designed to elicit the most information about the attorney you’re considering for your divorce:
1. How Long Have You Handled Divorce Cases?
While the quality of the attorney’s experience matters, so too does the quantity. Generally, the more experience a lawyer has, the more confidence you can have in their ability to represent you effectively.
2. What Types of Divorces Have You Handled?
Some attorneys only represent clients in certain types of divorce cases. If you anticipate contentious battles over child custody or spousal support, you do not want an attorney whose only experience is in uncontested divorces.
3. How Will My Divorce Case Proceed?
While there are laws that govern all divorces in California, each local jurisdiction will have its own local rules, too. This question will show whether your prospective lawyer is familiar with them and can explain how they impact your divorce.
4. How Do You Approach Divorces?
Some attorneys try to reach settlements and agreements to minimize court appearances, whereas others may be more willing to litigate issues in court. Make sure your attorney’s approach lines up with yours.
5. How Often Will I Hear from You?
Contested divorces can take time to resolve. Ask this question to understand how often your attorney plans to keep in touch with you while the case proceeds.
6. What Will Happen in My Case?
Rarely will one party in a divorce case get everything they want. By asking this question, you are finding out whether the attorneys will simply tell you what you want to hear or be honest about what you can reasonably expect to happen.
7. How Will You Handle Child Custody?
If you have children, child custody and child support will be important issues to resolve. After asking this question, listen to see whether the attorney asks you questions. Child custody decisions are extremely fact-specific, and you want an attorney who is mindful of that fact.
8. What Is Your Fee Arrangement?
Your attorney should be able to clearly explain how much money they require for you to retain them and how much they will charge per hour. If they offer alternative fee structures, they should make this clear. You do not want any misunderstanding over how much the lawyer’s representation will cost.
9. What Will You Need from Me?
While your divorce lawyer will handle the legal aspects of your case, their ability to succeed will still depend in part on your participation and cooperation. A divorce lawyer who tells you they will need financial information and other records has a realistic view of what it takes for a divorce case to resolve successfully.
Go with Your Gut: Do You Trust this San Diego Divorce Attorney?
Listen attentively to the attorney’s answers to these questions. What they say can reveal whether this attorney will be honest with you throughout your divorce or whether they will promise the moon and be unable to deliver.
At the end of the day, though, ask yourself whether you trust this attorney. If you do not, look elsewhere for representation. Signing up with an attorney you do not trust is only asking for additional trouble and difficulties in your case.
Contact Our Divorce Law Firm in San Diego, CA
Contact our experienced San Diego divorce lawyers at San Diego Divorce Lawyers, APC today for legal assistance. Contact our San Diego office at (619) 866-3756 to schedule a free consultation.
San Diego Divorce Lawyers, APC
2851 Camino del Rio S #430
San Diego, CA 92108
