Choosing A Divorce Lawyer – What Are Key Factors to Consider? - Reynaldo Garza, III

The right divorce attorney can make the stressful process of getting through a divorce easier and more efficient in multiple ways.

Great attorneys are also instrumental in helping divorcing spouses consider and negotiate their needs and interests more skillfully for the fairest settlement.

Before choosing the first divorce lawyer that shows up in a Google search, those seeking legal services should properly screen candidates by considering these key factors.

1. Testimonials and Reputation

Begin the search for a great divorce attorney by first reviewing the testimonials and reviews of any listings found online or through friend and family references.

Seek out attorneys who have excellent online reviews and hold a good reputation with the bar association as well as among other legal professionals within the community.

2. Education and Experience

Beyond the school they graduated from, look for what continuing education a divorce lawyer has attended to keep themselves up-to-date with ever-changing local laws and keep their license active.

Inquire about the depth of their knowledge of the family code as well as the length and type of experience they have handling different divorce cases.

Not every divorce is the same, so an attorney who specializes in different specifics like divorces involving children or high-asset divorces can be particularly helpful for spouses in these circumstances.

3. Practice Area and Local Familiarity

Divorce processes can differ depending on the state in which they are filed.

Confirm that a divorce attorney is licensed to practice in the state of jurisdiction where the case can be filed and that they are fully informed on the legal requirements of filing there.

Mistakes made on this level can slow a case down unnecessarily, so it is important to select a lawyer who is familiar with the policies and procedures of the state where they handle cases.

4. Fees and Billing Methods

Before retaining any divorce attorney, discuss not just their fees but how they charge for their services, and whether that is hourly or with flat service-based fees.

Also, discuss a budget, how to work within it, and what costs and fees might be incurred in addition to the lawyer’s fees.

Weigh the benefit of experience over lower fees, as paying a more experienced lawyer who charges more can still end up being the more financially sound choice if they produce better results in the case.

5. Availability and Communication

Try to get a feel for how accessible a divorce attorney is to their clients and how well they communicate.

How quickly do they respond to questions as well as other needs and how easy is it to schedule appointments or phone calls with them?

Seek an attorney who replies to messages quickly and is easily accessible, as the opposite could result in a long, drawn-out process that is not just more stressful, but more expensive as well.

6. Level of Comfort

After all other factors, a client must feel comfortable confiding in their divorce lawyer of choice and confident that they have their best interests in mind.

Spouses should meet with the attorney for a preliminary consultation to see if communication styles mesh, whether the discussion seems easy and comfortable, and whether ideas and strategies that align with theirs are offered as a final consideration before hiring them.