How Do You Choose a Divorce Lawyer?
Getting divorced will likely be very emotional and stressful. Even if you are only considering it, the stress of finding a good divorce lawyer to help and advise you can be daunting.
Obviously, trust and discretion are important factors, but so are results.
How do you choose a divorce lawyer when there are so many choices?
Search Engines
Being that this is the internet, after all, the best place to start looking for a divorce lawyer is your favorite search engine. Here are some tips for using search engines to compare
You can use Google, Yahoo, Bing, or any other search engine you prefer. When you type in “divorce lawyer near me,” you will get a map with your search results showing the divorce lawyers near the city or zip code you use along with a list of search results.
When you click on the name of one of the divorce lawyers, it will take you to a page that lists their contact information, reviews, pictures, directions, and most of the time a link to their website. If there is a link to their website, you can go there and do a little more research.
Make a list of a few lawyers that stand out to you. Visit their website, read their blog, get a feel for how they market themselves.
Once you have a list of lawyers, call and set up a consultation or use the request form on their website if they have one. Most divorce lawyers have some sort of a free consultation or information they can provide to you.
Talk to a Divorce Lawyer Today
Seek Recommendations
If you have a friend, family member, or coworker who has gone through a divorce, you can ask them about whom they used. Speaking with someone you trust can help you decide based on their thoughts on the divorce lawyer.
Again, call and set up a consultation. Having a consultation will give you a feel for the divorce lawyer and if they can help usher you through the challenges ahead!
Use AVVO, NOLO, or FindLaw
Some websites specialize in helping you find the right lawyer for your needs.
AVVO – AVVO has a spot for you to choose the area of law and city and state. You can also search by just state or city and state. Once you click on Find Lawyers, you will get a list of divorce lawyers in the city and state you chose. The listing will give you the name of the divorce lawyer, the phone number, reviews, and give you a link to their website.
NOLO – NOLO is very similar to AVVO. You choose the area of practice, then which state you want. You can then browse through all the lawyers in your state, or you can narrow it down to a specific city. Your search results will list the lawyers’ name and contact information. You can also click a link to be taken to their profile or to contact them.
FindLaw – FindLaw again allows you choose your legal issue and location. The results list will give you the law firm name, contact information, and a link to their website.
* These websites get paid by attorneys to provide leads. This means that it is not an exhaustive list of great attorneys, but for some, it is a good place to get information and referrals!
How to Choose the Right Divorce Lawyer
After you have done your research and found a divorce lawyer you think you want to work with, call them and set up a consultation.
Here are questions to ask the divorce lawyer at your consultation.
- Experience: How much experience do they have working on divorces? In your state?
- Rates: Ask how much they charge to represent clients.
- Resources: Do they have access to financial experts, parenting coordinators, and other professionals? If they need to use any for your case, will it affect the cost?
- Assistant: Typically, the divorce lawyer will not be handling all day-to-day issues relating to your case. Ask to meet whoever assists them.
Also, listen to your instincts. If you do not feel like the divorce lawyer you are meeting with does not fit your needs, then do not use them.
A good divorce lawyer will take the time to listen to you, not use lawyer speak that you cannot understand, and make you feel at ease.