Saturday, October 11, 2008

Divorce Attorney: Interview Smartly Before You Hire a Divorce Attorney

Divorce Attorney

When a marriage has broken down, divorce is often inevitable and a divorce attorney needs to be found; some advice on what to look for is below:

Skilful in this type of case

Have the right disposition

Be trusted by their clients

In these circumstances you will need a divorce attorney who has at least half their workload in this area and one that is able to act as a mediator. It also follows that you feel comfortable with them and feel confident they will serve you well.

Those attorneys who prefer mediation will look to solve problems by talking and not through the conflict based approach many attorneys wish to provide. Preparation for both your divorce attorney and yourself is important so when you contact them, make sure you know exactly what you intend to question them about.

Make sure you know exactly what you intend to ask and record the answers as each time you contact your lawyer there will be a charge involved so note times dates and durations of conversations. Try to keep actual meetings to a minimum and where points have to be clarified, use the phone or send a letter.

An attorney does not come cheap so use them only for the purpose you hired them for, legal advice, they are not there as an emotional problem solver, there are other professionals who specialize in that area. To get the best out of your divorce attorney, leave any petty arguments you and your spouse have, aside from the divorce case.

Let your lawyer know from the start that you will be in charge of the case and they are there for legal advice and not as someone to lean on when things start getting rough. You are employing them for their experience but at the same time you need them to understand that it is your divorce and you want to make the decisions about how it is too proceed. Ask that you be sent copies of all documents and letters and let them know that you expect phone calls to be answered by the next working day after all you are the one paying the bills.

Not all cases need a courtroom to be decided upon so you could employ a lawyer just to help you with a marital settlement, legal information or advice. You may decide to carry out research first before you contact them, only asking your lawyer questions you have not been able to find answers too. Some people only use a divorce attorney to re-read and check a marital settlement they have drafted on their own but at least these people have the backup of using a lawyer if all else fails.

0 comments: