Divorce is rightly called one of the most stressful events in life. Besides bringing an emotional storm, anxiety, and worries, it’s also a massive impact on your finances. And not every divorce ends peacefully, with an agreement at the first court session.
Unfortunately, there are more frequent situations when ex-partners can’t agree on certain matters, and their case ends up in court. Everything becomes even more complicated if the property or some common assets are included in the separation, such as a joint business, partnership, or mutual pension fund/savings.
Whatever the course of your divorce, what you definitely need is a good lawyer. You need a legal representative to speak on your behalf in court. In addition, they will be your support during this arduous process, give you appropriate divorce advice, and act in your best interest. So put some extra effort into finding your legal representative.
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Know What You Want
If the decision on divorce is final, you must set some priorities before hiring a lawyer. Depending on how you and your partner functioned in your marriage, as well as whether you have mutual kids and property, there will be different ways to separate. Division of property and money, children custody, and finances are matters that you two must resolve and agree on before the divorce.
Of course, the best option for both parties is an agreement when you both want a divorce and agree on the terms of the separation. Sometimes partners agree on all crucial matters, and the lawyer is there to make the agreement fully valid. That often happens when people realize their marriage is simply not working, and there are no more emotions. And when both parties want a divorce but can’t agree on just a few stuff, mediation is a solution.
The most stressful option for clients is any complication of the divorce, such as the impossibility of an agreement about assets or kids or when someone knowingly usurps the court process (not appearing in court, not accepting offered settlement options, etc.). In this case, you need a legal expert specializing in family law because the trial will probably be difficult. So you better hire someone who knows all the ins and outs of such complex divorces.
Understand the Lawyer’s Role
Based on your priorities, you will know what role the lawyer should have. If it’s an agreement, they’ll handle all the paperwork related to drafting the agreement proposal. In this case, you need someone with a reputation as a calm and non-conflicting attorney. They will help you to make everything work out smoothly.
For more complex situations, the lawyer’s role will be more active, such as drafting lawsuits, counterclaims, negotiations, etc. In that case, you need someone more aggressive, in the sense of a stricter approach to your case, and someone who won’t hesitate to litigate in your favor.
Unless you have an unlimited budget, you should be concise and direct in meetings and calls with your lawyer. Of course, the most important thing is, to be honest about the important matters regarding the divorce. A good lawyer will understand and empathize with you, and you will certainly develop some relationships during this process. But remember that they aren’t your psychotherapists or relationship counselors.
On the following source, find out how to go on a court without a lawyer:
https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/legal/getting-divorce-without-lawyer/
Do Your Research
After setting priorities, the next step is to find experts for cases like yours. You can get recommendations from friends and relatives, and the Internet is available for additional information. These sources should help you shortlist lawyers in your area (preferably due to travel costs).
After selecting a few attorneys who seem experienced and reputable, you have to check their background and experience. Go to their website and review the information they provide. You should pay particular attention to the lawyer’s web page details indicating that they generally accept only certain types of clients.
Things like address and contact phone/e-mail should be transparent, as well as licenses and certificates that prove the lawyer’s credentials. Lawyers must be certified, proving their qualifications and experience in practice. Certificates also mean the recognition of an attorney by colleagues (board association) and national boards and associations.
Think of Your Budget
Most people think that lawyers are expensive. Hiring them carries certain costs, and their rates can vary depending on many factors. In general, no attorney is costly if they can help you achieve your goal in litigation. But people on a tight budget can often balk at the need to hire a lawyer who is necessary for them in the case of a divorce, even for some basic things such as filing a complaint.
That’s why you must be honest with your lawyer about your finances. You may be in an unenviable situation right now, but you will improve your finances after the division of property and finances you acquired during the marriage. In any case, many legal experts are flexible with their rates and can help you balance your legal needs with your budget.
Ask Questions
You need an attorney specializing in family law, so don’t hesitate to ask them about their practice, years of being active, and some previous cases they successfully handle. As mentioned, you should go with a local legal expert, not just because of their travel costs but also because of their knowledge of local laws and other legal experts.
Don’t be afraid to ask your prospective attorney about their thoughts on your case. Ask them about the method of communication, how often you can expect updates on your case, what the litigation steps will be, etc. Here’s the list of questions you can ask. This is a good way to see how lawyers treat clients, how carefully they listen, and how they approach the case. If it suits you, with acceptable costs, you find yourself a divorce attorney.
Divorce is a difficult matter, but a good lawyer can make everything much easier for you. They will help you fight for what you want, of course, in accordance with the law. So take some time and choose your legal representative wisely.
