How to Find a Divorce Lawyer

Going through a divorce without a good divorce lawyer can be disastrous. An experienced divorce lawyer will inform you of all your legal rights and will represent your best interests in court. An incompetent or unqualified divorce lawyer can put you at a significant disadvantage in the courtroom, especially if the other side has an attorney. These steps will help you find and hire the right lawyer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet connection
• Computer
• Telephone
• Phone book

1. Start shopping. All lawyers are not created equal. Many specialize in certain areas of the law, while others, sadly, are not very good. It is important to shop around. In the phone book under "attorneys," make sure you look under the heading, “divorce.” For informed referrals, call your local bar association and talk to friends who have used a divorce lawyer.

2. Ask about fees. As with any product or service, make sure you can afford a lawyer's services. Attorney fees range from under $100 per hour to over $500 per hour. When talking with attorneys, ask for their fee schedule up front.

3. Once you choose an attorney, arrange an appointment. The first meeting gives both you and the attorney an opportunity to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to meet with several lawyers prior to making a decision.

4. Prepare for your meeting. Before you meet, make a list of questions, concerns and goals you have for your prospective attorney. Write down any property you want, how you think custody should be decided and how much support you think you should get.

5. Meet and assess your attorney. Do you feel comfortable? Does he or she sound competent? Is the attorney asking appropriate, intelligent questions about your case? Will he or she be handling your case or will it be passed down to a junior associate?

6. Talk money. Eventually costs will come up. Find out what the hourly rate is, whether you will be required to pay a retainer, when payments are expected and how payments can be made.

7. Read the fee agreement. Each fee agreement is different; some are simple while others are complex and detailed. Take your time and ask questions. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision on the spot. If you feel comfortable with the attorney, sign the agreement. If you aren't comfortable yet, tell the attorney that you want some time to think about it. Get a business card.

8. Make a decision. Once you have made a decision, sign the fee agreement and let your attorney know. Usually your attorney will want to meet with you soon thereafter. As a courtesy, you should also call the lawyers you do not hire to let them know you will not require their services.

Tips & Warnings

• If children are involved, ask your attorney directly about his or her experience with custody disputes.
• If you are unable to afford the filing fee for an attorney, contact your local legal aid office. This is an affordable option that is preferable to representing yourself.
• Before meeting with an attorney, be sure to find out whether there is a fee for the initial consultation.
• Never base your decision on a referral made by the other side or his or her attorney. Often they will recommend someone inexperienced or ineffective in the courtroom.
• Never agree to a fee schedule that is not based on an hourly rate. It is unethical for an attorney to accept as payment a percentage of the total amount of money he or she gets for you.

[lorraine]

on 1/8/2008 Blackbear is so right on. I wish I had represented myself in my divorce. I am very good with money and understood the tax ramifications, division of the retirement account, etc. The lawyer I hired didn't care anything about my case and never answered phone calls, emails, or letters, from either me or the other attorney. I paid him over $3500 for advice from paralegals. In my inexperience I didn't understand what was happening and it cost me plenty in the settlement. I ended up representing myself pro se suing him for malpractice which went quite well, considering, but I wish I had used these same skills representing myself in the divorce.

[Blackbear]

on 11/11/2007 Please remember if you have a difficult time hiring an attorney, it is not unheard of to represent yourself. You know your own case better than any attorney ever will, and as long as you educate yourself and prepare for the court day, you will save a ton of cash that you will be needing. More and more individuals are going into the court room Pro Se today due to things getting out of hand anymore with the system among lawyers. I did it and I won my case. It was a high paid lawyer that I went up against. He didn't lose because he was no good, actually he was tough! He was just sloppy because he under-estimated me, plus his client lied to him...the judge seen through him so truth prevailed for me that day -and it could you too.