The divorce process can be stressful. You likely want to get the whole thing over with as quickly as possible, but it’s important to have expert legal advice, so it may not be wise to hire the first lawyer you come across. In order to ensure you have found the proper legal help for your specific situation, here is a list of 10 legal questions to ask a prospective divorce attorney.
1. Do you specialize in divorces? Or are divorce cases just a part of your practice?
2. How long have you been practicing family and divorce law?
3. I have children, so can I use you for my custody case or will I need to go to another attorney?
Even though 66 percent of all divorced couples are childless, it is important to retain a lawyer who understands the intricacies of custody law to ensure your children are protected.
4. Have you worked with a case similar to mine?
No matter the situation, women file for the majority of divorces. So it is important to find a lawyer who is sympathetic to your situation, familiar with what you are looking to achieve, and able to protect your assets.
5. Will you be handling my case by yourself, or will there be others in your practice that will be helping you?
6. How much do you expect this entire divorce process to cost? How will I be billed, what is the hourly rate, and will I be charged for spending time with other attorneys, paralegals, and secretaries in your practice?
7. What are the tax repercussions of filing for divorce?
8. Will you allow me to negotiate directly with my spouse, or do you prefer to have the attorneys handle it themselves?
9. How would you like me to contact you? What is best, telephone, e-mail, or to drop in to the office when I have new important information?
10. Please explain to me your strategy for my case. How long do you think it will take to come to an agreement?
A lawyer’s website can be a great tool for legal advice. According to ABA’s 2010 legal Technology Survey Report, over half of lawyers in solo practices and 81 percent of those in practices with more than two lawyers have websites. Going online will provide an easier means of contact, and can provide valuable information.
The legal advice a qualified lawyer can give you has the potential to make or break your case. Do not skimp on proper law help, and if you are in need of legal representation, head over to Texas Legal to access a network of attorneys all over Texas.
[…] handling the kind of case you’re involved in and seem knowledgeable in the area of law. Ask your attorney how many cases he or she has handled like yours, and how those cases have turned […]