AdminWhen a couple decides to divorce, they need an attorney to handle the process. Divorce lawyers (a subsection of Family Law) help with all aspects of a divorce, from property division to alimony and child custody. The best divorce attorneys have extensive experience in the field and can guide clients through complex cases. In addition, they are skilled negotiators and compassionate listeners. Those in search of a good divorce lawyer should start with personal recommendations and savvy online research. Once a short list has been narrowed down, it is important to schedule in-person consultations with several attorneys.
During a divorce consultation, the attorney should ask a lot of questions and gather all relevant information related to the case. This will include income statements, tax documents, and property value information. They will also need to listen carefully to the client’s account of the case, their goals, and priorities. This is because the attorney’s job is to advocate for their client’s best interests in court and out of it.
After gathering all of this information, the divorce lawyer will be able to assess the case and discuss possible strategies with the client. For instance, the attorney may suggest mediation or collaborative divorce if it seems like the parties can agree on major issues such as alimony and custody/visitation. If there is significant animosity between the spouses or a history of domestic violence, the attorney may recommend filing a contested divorce or seeking a restraining order.
A client should also look for an attorney who aligns with their approach to divorce. For example, some attorneys work in a collaborative style that seeks to minimize conflict and settle divorce matters outside of court, while others take a more aggressive approach. The client should also be able to communicate well with their attorney, and the attorney should be able to answer any questions or concerns in a timely manner.
Finally, the client should consider how much the divorce attorney charges for their services. Most attorneys charge by the hour, and they will typically require a client to put up a retainer that is used to cover their work as it happens. This is because many legal proceedings can be unpredictable and time consuming. In the event that the client is unsure about how much the attorney will charge, they should request a written estimate of fees before hiring the attorney. This will allow them to make an informed decision about whether or not the attorney is a good fit for their case. If they are not, they can always move on to another attorney. Scheidungsanwalt