Till death do us part is not what it used to be. In fact, according to APA.org, [1] the current divorce rate in the US is around 40%. People drift apart for a variety of reasons; many of them might not be within your control. There’s also no right way to get divorced, and it can get messy very fast. Luckily, you can try to mitigate the negative consequences of a divorce proceeding by hiring a good divorce attorney. Here are 5 tips to find to do so.
1. Look for a Divorce Attorney Online
The easiest way to look for a good attorney law firm nowadays is to search online. That way you can compare a couple of different options in your area and see who specializes in things like mediation, divorce, legal separations, and family law. Remember that your potential lawyer or the law firm you hire need to know all the applicable laws for your case and the state you reside in. Finally, once you have a short-list, you can contact them to further compare hourly fees and retainers. Make sure the attorney you hire can understand and handle your case.
2. Consider Where You Are and Where You Want to Be
When a divorce is imminent, you need to come up with a list of important questions and answers for potential attorneys. Consider what is as at stake in the divorce terms of your finances and assets. Write things down like who earned more money in your marriage? Think about custody alimony and spousal support, or how a house should be divided. Are you in a no-fault state and did you sign a prenup? Communicating quickly and clearly will save you money and give you a better chance of reaching your end goals.
3. Don’t Bring Emotions into It
When working with a lawyer, leave all the emotions and drama out of it. Hire them knowing what you want to accomplish form a divorce through concrete goals and stick to it.
4. Think About How Much a Divorce Will Cost
Divorce can end up being a huge financial burden. Bankrate.com reports that the average cost of a divorce in the US is $15,000 per person, but the costs can skyrocket to $100,000 or more if the proceedings are dragged out. With that said, don’t choose the cheapest attorney that makes a lot of promises. Instead, think how much money you’ll be left with a worst-case scenario and if you can still hire an attorney, go through with it.
5. You Are the Boss, Not Your Lawyer
In the end, it’s important to hire someone that is trustworthy. A good divorce lawyer should both represent you in an effective way and listen to what you need. When the decision to separate from your spouse is made, make sure that you can hire an attorney within your financial means who will commit to your goal as much as you have.
[1] https://www.apa.org/topics/divorce/
[2] https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/smart-money/how-much-does-divorce-cost/