Tips On Hiring Divorce Lawyers
Sometimes, the best solution to get out of an unhappy or abusive marriage is filing for divorce. If you find yourself in a situation where divorce is the only option, you may have to hire a divorce lawyer. Here are a few tips that can help you choose the best lawyer from the divorce lawyers in your city.
Hiring a divorce lawyer depends on the type of divorce you are facing. There are generally two types of divorce- uncontested and contested. If you spouse doesn’t agree to an amicable settlement and wants to fight it out in court, the divorce is termed as contested. On the other hand, if your spouse agrees to a mutual agreement and distribution of assets without any disagreements, the divorce is an uncontested one.
Know the type of divorce you are facing
Knowing the type of divorce that you have to contest can help you choose the right lawyer. For instance, some attorneys have focused expertise as far as issues of child custody, alimony or mediation is concerned. Depending on the nature of your case, choose a suitable divorce lawyer.
Compile a list of probable candidates
The next step to hire divorce lawyers involves creating a list of potential candidates. You can ask your friends, relatives, neighbors or co-workers for referrals. If you prefer to find lawyers on your own, you can browse online or look through legal directories to seek out various law firms in your city.
Choose according to your needs
Once you are done with the compilation of the list of probable candidates, consult at least three to four lawyers. As you’ll spend a significant amount of your time with your lawyer, it is advisable to choose a lawyer who provides services that suits your needs and someone you feel comfortable interacting with.
Organize all your documents
Before meeting with a divorce lawyer, it is recommended that you organize your legal documents such as financial portfolios, property deeds and insurance policies. Also, make a list of income and expenditures.
Be ready to face questions
Do you want joint or full custody of your kids? Are you facing foreclosure or bankruptcy? Do you want to live in the house you purchased along with your spouse? Do you want to distribute your financial or real estate holdings equally? These are some of the questions you will have to answer during the initial meeting with a lawyer. Consider these aspects carefully to protect your rights and interests as an individual as well as a parent.
Find out the lawyer’s credibility
After the initial consultation, it is recommended that you further find out about the expertise and credentials of the divorce lawyer. Check if any complaints have been filed against the lawyer. Also, check client testimonials to see how the divorce lawyer has fared in earlier cases.
Consider your budget
Most importantly, keep your budget in mind. Most divorce lawyers charge by the hour. The average hourly rates range from $150 to $350 or even more.
Author Bio: For more information on a litigation lawyer or divorce lawyer, contact Heydary Hamilton PC.
Category: Legal
Keywords: law, legal, lawyer, litigation lawyer, divorce lawyer, litigation, divorce,