Puja Sachdev | July 3, 2023 | Divorce
A divorce is a stressful situation regardless of whether the parties are amicable. Working with an experienced San Diego divorce lawyer can help reduce stress while helping you obtain your divorce as efficiently and quickly as possible. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can begin rebuilding and moving forward.
The first step is to find the right San Diego divorce lawyer to handle your case. Knowing the important factors to consider can help you hire a San Diego divorce attorney that can help you achieve your desired outcome.
Factors To Consider When Hiring a San Diego Divorce Lawyer
As you begin searching for a divorce attorney, keep these things in mind:
Qualifications and Experience
You need an attorney licensed to practice law in California and in San Diego, specifically. An attorney in San Diego knows the local family courts and the judges, which could help you with your case.
Also, look for a divorce lawyer who practices solely in family law and has substantial experience handling divorce cases. Experience means the attorney thoroughly understands the law and the California divorce process.
Next, focus on finding an attorney with experience handling cases involving your specific issues. For instance, if you are a member of the LGBTQ community, hire an LGBT divorce attorney. Likewise, if you are married to a servicemember, hire a military divorce attorney.
Ask Trusted Sources for Recommendations
Ask your family and friends for recommendations. If they hired a San Diego family law attorney, they have personal knowledge of the attorney’s expertise. You can also ask other lawyers who they would hire if they needed a divorce attorney.
Perform Your Own Research
You can gather a wealth of information about divorce lawyers online. Search for client and peer reviews. Martindale-Hubbell is a good source for peer reviews.
The State Bar of California provides attorney profiles that include the lawyer’s license status and disciplinary actions. The profile also includes whether the attorney is certified in a legal specialty and other information about the lawyer.
The attorney’s website should provide a detailed description of their law practice. Attorneys often include a bio with additional information about their education, experience, and qualifications.
Schedule a Consultation With a Divorce Lawyer in San Diego
A consultation is the best way to learn whether a divorce lawyer is a good match for you. You gain valuable insight into the lawyer’s communication skills and knowledge during the consultation. Sachdev Family Law, APC offers complimentary consultations.
Prepare for Your Consultation With an Attorney
Once you schedule a consultation, prepare for your meeting. The attorney may ask you to complete paperwork describing your case. The lawyer will ask additional questions during the meeting, so be ready to answer questions about your marriage and goals.
Write down questions you want to ask. A written list helps you remember everything you want to know about the divorce process. It also gives you a place to make notes to review later.
Examples of questions to ask a San Diego divorce lawyer during a free consultation include:
- What types of divorce cases do you typically handle?
- Do you focus your law practice on family law matters? What percentage of the practice focuses on divorces?
- Based on our discussions, what is my chance of success?
- Do you see any potential problems that could prevent me from obtaining my goals for my divorce?
- Who will work on my case? Will you personally handle my case?
- What alternative dispute resolution methods do you use to avoid litigation, such as divorce mediation and collaborative divorce?
- What is your experience handling contested divorces that go to trial?
- How do you communicate with clients? Can I get in touch with you if I have questions or concerns?
- What is your experience handling contested child custody cases?
There could be other questions you should ask depending on the facts of your case. Modify your list of questions to get the answers you need to address the issues in your divorce.
Gather important documents to take to the consultation. For example, if you seek sole custody because of parental misconduct, take copies of emails, text messages, and other evidence.
Meeting With the Lawyer
When you meet with a divorce lawyer for an initial consultation, pay attention to how the attorney treats you. Does the lawyer listen to you and address your concerns, or does the lawyer talk over you? Does the attorney speak with confidence when answering questions and explaining your legal options?
An experienced divorce lawyer should be able to explain a plan of action to begin your case or move forward. When you leave the consultation, you should understand what steps you should take to protect your best interests.
It is important to feel comfortable with an attorney. You must trust the attorney and be able to discuss any matter openly with the lawyer. Effective communication with your lawyer is essential during a divorce case.
Discuss Fees and Payments
Before leaving the consultation, discuss the lawyer’s fees for a divorce action. The attorney should outline their fees and costs and how they bill for services. It is crucial that you understand the fee structure before hiring a divorce lawyer.
Making a Final Decision To Hire a San Diego Divorce Lawyer
Hiring a divorce attorney is an essential step in ending your marriage. Your divorce lawyer protects your best interests and helps you obtain a divorce settlement that gives you the resources you need as you return to single life.
Do not feel that you need to hire the first lawyer you meet with for a consultation. Consultations are like interviews. You should meet with divorce lawyers until you find an attorney you trust to handle your divorce case in a way that benefits you the most.
It helps to know what you want so that you do not settle for less. The right San Diego divorce lawyer always has your best interests as their top priority. If you do not believe an attorney will put you first, keep looking.
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
