Questions to Ask a Lawyer for Divorce
Taking the time to ask potential lawyers the right probing questions can mean the difference between being represented minimally and losing out or having phenomenal representation that ensures you a fair and equitable divorce agreement. By contacting several lawyers and asking each of them the same panel of questions, you can adequately gauge how well each of them can meet your needs.
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Assessing Expertise
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Talking to your potential lawyer about his areas of expertise will help you assess how experienced and capable he is of representing you. Start by asking whether he specializes in divorce law; if he say yes, probe specifically into what percentage of his caseload divorces make up. You should also ask how long he has been practicing and, out of that, how many years have been devoted to divorce law. Lastly, inquire about his courtroom experience; namely, how many cases have gone to trial versus settling out of court in the last year. This information can help you to judge whether he is suitably experienced to represent your interests.
Time Management and Reachability
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Some clients want to meet often and be walked through the process step by step. Others may want a lawyer that handles most of the work behind the scenes and only meets when absolutely necessary. Depending on the level of personal contact you desire, knowing how busy and reachable a potential lawyer is can aid in making a hiring decision. Ask specifically if the lawyer believes he will have the time and energy to thoroughly represent you. Inquire as well as to how long he believes the process will take and whether or not he will be directly reachable should questions or issues arise. If the lawyer has a very full caseload and anticipates having other staff members help with your case, you may wish to find a lawyer that can give more personal attention to your divorce.
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Case Costs
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Divorces can be expensive, especially if your case goes to trial. Knowing the costs upfront may help you decide which lawyer to hire based on your budgeting needs. Ask directly how much the lawyer charges per hour and whether or not you will need to pay others in his office as well; often in-house paralegals and accountants are used to assist with cases, which can drive up the cost. Inquire whether you will be charged for things like photocopies, necessary office supplies, documentation faxing, etc. You should also ask if there are any other expenses that you are expected to be responsible for. Get an idea of the total projected cost of your divorce and compare that quote with other lawyers' estimates.
Final Decisions
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Once you have gathered information from several potential lawyers, you can narrow down which one will best meet your needs. If you desire a lot of face time with your lawyer, you can expect to pay a lot more than a lawyer who will meet with you much less frequently; it all depends on what you feel is necessary and affordable when it comes to representing you.
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References
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