Finding a Divorce Attorney

 Posted on November 13, 2015 in Divorce

Having a qualified attorney on your side is a key component of a successful divorce. You need someone you can trust and rely on, potentially for months or years, as they help you navigate the divorce process. Your future happiness may depend on the ability of your divorce attorney, so finding someone that is right for you is crucial. Finding the right lawyer, however, is much easier said than done. There may be many different law firms in your area, and you may not know which qualities to look for in an attorney. Finding this critical member of your divorce team can be overwhelming. Try taking these steps when searching for an attorney who is right for you. Decide What You Are Looking For The first step in finding the right attorney is deciding what criteria you are looking for. Think about the things that are important to you. Is cost an issue? Do you have a case that needs a lawyer with specific expertise? Are you more comfortable with an attorney of a certain background? Here are a few of the most common criteria people consider during their search:

• Cost: Many people struggle with financing their divorce. Costs can vary greatly from firm to firm. As a general rule of thumb, firms that are more established charge higher rates. The better know the firm is in your community, the higher they are able to charge. Being well known, however, is not always indicative of ability. If you are trying to keep your divorce costs down, seek out a lawyer in your area that has experience, but is not as well known yet. Since they are not in as high of demand as other better known lawyers in the area, they will often charge lower rates.
• Experience: A lawyer's credentials can be tough to determine. When searching for an experienced attorney, start by considering the length of time they have been in business, and how much of that time was spent doing family law. Also look for attorneys that are involved in professional legal organizations, or those that teach other lawyers. If a lawyer is able to publish books on the topic of divorce and family law, or teach other lawyers, they likely are experienced.
• Compatibility: For your relationship with your divorce attorney to be successful, you need to be able to trust and feel comfortable with them. You will be sharing details about your marriage that you may feel uncomfortable discussing, and you need to be able to rely on and relate to your attorney's advice. If you do not feel comfortable opening up to an attorney, they likely are not right for you.

Finding an Attorney Once you have established what you are looking for, you can start your search. A great place to start is by asking for referrals. These can come from many different places. Consider asking other professionals in your area. You may know accountants, therapists, or church officials who often work with divorce attorneys, and may be able to recommend one to you. Do you have any connections to other lawyers that do not work within family law? Lawyers commonly know the reputations of their peers, even outside of their practice area. Legal organizations are also an excellent place to look. Many organizations, like the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, require certifications to become a member. These types of organizations are an excellent resource during your search. Do not forget to turn to friends and families for referrals as well. Almost all of us know at least one person who has experienced a divorce. Ask around your social circle and find out if anyone has a recommendation for you. Interview Potential Candidates Once you have a list of a few potential attorneys, consider interviewing them. You may end up hiring the first attorney you meet, or consult with a few potential lawyers before making a decision. The amount of candidates you consider may vary depending on how many lawyers are in your area, the urgency of your case, and how long you have to search. Before interviewing, build a list of topics you want to ask about. Listen to how the attorney responds to your questions, and how they say they would advocate for you. Remember, you should feel comfortable with whoever you choose, and feel that you can truly count on them.

If you are in the Chicago area, a qualified DuPage County divorce attorney is available to consult with you today. Contact the law office of Stock, Carlson & Asso. LLC at 630-665-2500 to speak to an attorney.

Source:

http://www.aaml.org/library/publications/415/divorce-manual-client-handbook/5-selecting-divorce-lawyer