A family lawyer is qualified to handle your divorce
. But since getting divorced is not something you do all of the time, where do you start? You start by making a list of prospective divorce attorneys. Meet with one and interview him in the same way that you would interview any professional that you were thinking about hiring. If you do not feel comfortable with him or the connection is not there, cross him off your list and move onto the next person listed.
This is a very important matter in your life and the last thing you want to do is to work with someone that you do not like or feel you cannot trust. Always listen to your instincts when it comes to your choice of a family lawyer.
You want to pick an attorney who will be upfront with you about his fee structure. This is something you need to know before he does any work for you. You do not want any unwelcome financial surprises when you are halfway through your case.
The family lawyer should clearly explain to you what fees he charges and when they will be due. He should tell you what payment methods are acceptable and how much money you must pay at the onset.
You do not want to end up in a dispute with your legal provider over money, so expect to have an honest discussion about payment before the work gets underway. You are going through enough already with your soon-to-be ex-spouse and do not need to add to your troubles.
Go to your interview with a family lawyer armed with a set of very specific questions. Pay attention to the tone the legal specialist uses with you. If you are spoken to in a disrespectful or condescending manner, politely say your goodbyes and continue your interviews with other candidates on your list. The same goes for a divorce attorney who laughs at you or makes you feel foolish.
As a client, you deserve to be treated with respect, courtesy and decency. You need to feel that the family lawyer that you work with is on your side. Someone who berates you or makes you feel small or stupid is not someone you want on your team.
You do not want to get even or exact revenge on your husband or wife. What you want is a lawyer who will do everything in his power to dissolve your marriage equitably and can do so in an expedient fashion. Keep the word "revenge" out of all of your communications with your attorney. Play fair with each other.
You may meet a legal professional who really sweeps you off your feet, so to speak, at your first meeting. You may decide to hire this person after only one meeting. Fight the urge to do so! Meet with a few before making a final choice.