How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer You Can Trust
At a Glance
If you’re looking to navigate your divorce with clarity, understanding and confidence, you’ll need to find a great divorce attorney. Their approach, attitude, and strategy can play an important role in determining the outcome of your case. In this article, you’ll find all the information you need to make an accurate assessment of whether an attorney is right for you. Next Legal’s family law attorneys have the legal expertise, experience and sensitivity that can offer you reliable support.
The Importance of Choosing a Trustworthy Divorce Attorney
Divorce proceedings can be stressful and overwhelming, and you may feel as if everything is falling apart. While it’s natural to feel this way, choosing the right divorce lawyer can make a huge difference, as they can provide you with the help and support you need. They work with you closely through an emotionally charged period of your life and give you clarity and confidence when it matters the most.
So, how do you find a great divorce attorney? Not all divorce lawyers operate in the same way. Some are aggressive with their case strategies and courtroom tactics, while others use a more pragmatic approach. Whether you’re dealing with adult child support, child custody, asset division or enforcement of marital agreements, your attorney’s approach will greatly determine the process and outcome.
Because divorce attorneys also act as your negotiator, advocate and mediator, it's important to know what you should ask in your divorce lawyer consultation. Asking the right questions will help evaluate your attorney’s ethics, communication style, case strategy and approach to litigation. This insight can help you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing your attorney.
In this article, we discuss how you can find a great divorce attorney and the qualities and credentials you need to look for.
What to Look for When Choosing a Divorce Lawyer
Here are a few things to bear in mind when choosing a competent, trustworthy divorce attorney.
Specialists in Family Law
Family law in the US is a nuanced area of practice that is constantly evolving. It’s important to choose an attorney with deep subject expertise backed by experience in family law, and more specifically in divorce law. This can greatly help in ensuring your case is handled with the sensitivity and understanding it deserves, something general practice lawyers often don’t offer.
Jurisdictional Experience
US divorce laws vary by state, and finding a great divorce attorney will largely depend on their experience in the county or jurisdiction your case will be heard in. This ensures that your attorney is well-versed in local court procedures and has a thorough understanding of county-specific rules that may influence your case.
For example, attorneys practicing family law in California, like those at Next Legal, understand the nuances of California’s family legal system and have vast experience in complex family law matters.
Lawyer Approach
Divorce attorneys have their work cut out for them and understand the importance of protecting your interests and ensuring the best possible outcome for you. However, the approach to litigation can vastly differ depending on their own philosophy and practice.
Some may pursue aggressive courtroom battles, while others may prioritize alternative dispute resolution (ADR). If your priority is to have a peaceful settlement while minimizing conflict and stress, we recommend choosing a family law attorney who specializes in mediation and collaborative divorce.
Transparent Fee Structure
Divorce attorney rates vary based on experience, expertise, location and the complexity of your case. However, most will be upfront about their fee structure and retainer rates. Clarify any queries or doubts you may have about the services that are included and any additional fees you may incur during your consultation.
Questions to Ask During Your Divorce Lawyer Consultation
An initial divorce lawyer consultation is the best way to assess a potential attorney, as asking the right questions can yield valuable information. This will give you an idea of whether their approach is aligned with your interests and intended outcome.
Here are some good questions you can ask your divorce lawyer before making a final decision.
How long have you practiced family law?
How much of your caseload is dedicated to divorce cases?
What’s your approach to divorce cases: aggressive litigation or mediation?
Have you handled a case similar to mine, and what was the outcome?
What’s the likely timeline of my case?
What factors could slow down or speed up the divorce proceeding?
What is the fee structure you follow?
What expenses should I expect outside of attorney fees?
Are there any foreseeable challenges in my case, and what solutions do you propose?
Is there anything I can do to strengthen my case?
Do you think you’ll be the right divorce attorney for me?
How to Know You’ve Found a Lawyer You Can Trust
So how do you know you’ve found a great divorce attorney? One of the key characteristics of a trustworthy lawyer is clear communication and solid professional ethics, while offering you a realistic assessment of your case. Beware of those who guarantee a victory or encourage aggressive or emotionally driven strategies.
It’s always best to conduct your due diligence by verifying a potential family law attorney’s professional standing in the state bar association. This allows you an opportunity to check any prior ethical violations or disciplinary actions that may compromise their integrity and suitability to represent you.
A great divorce attorney will also be a good listener and will empathize with you, a critical and foundational feature of any strong attorney-client dynamic. They will offer you simple, clear, jargon-free advice, keeping your best interests in mind while staying objective. At the end of the day, you should feel comfortable, seen and understood.
Choose Next Legal for Experienced, Trustworthy Divorce Attorneys
Looking for a trustworthy family law attorney who can offer you support and legal expertise backed by experience? At Next Legal, our vast courtroom experience and specialization in divorce, complex family law, child custody & spousal support matters come highly recommended.
As top-rated family lawyers, we’ve been accompanying clients on their divorce journeys as partners and advisors in each step, ensuring they have healthy, fair and equitable outcomes. We employ time-tested settlement strategies to achieve early resolution in contentious family law disputes and assure you of exceptional client service.
Whether you need comprehensive support for divorce and child custody, mediation, restraining orders, spousal support or property division, we’ve got you covered.
We’re based in three locations, namely Palo Alto, Pleasanton and Walnut Creek. Call us or fill in our form to book a legal consultation today.