Ask the Right Questions Early in the Search for Legal Advice
Divorce can be a long and difficult process, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Family law experts can help you receive a fair settlement from your divorce and get through this trying time as smoothly as possible. Yet it’s also important to find the right divorce lawyer for your upcoming case. This article will discuss the questions you should ask a divorce attorney before hiring them to ensure they’ll be a good fit for your situation.
Do You Focus on Divorces?
Firstly, make sure that the lawyer in question focuses their practice on divorces. For your upcoming divorce case, you’ll want an experienced and savvy attorney on your side, not a general legal advisor.
Similarly, you should ask questions about a potential divorce lawyer:
- Experience handling divorce cases, especially those similar to your own
- Their experience in law
- How many people will be involved in the case in their office
These inquiries will help you get a good feel for a potential divorce attorney to see if they’ll be a good fit.
Who Will Be Working on My Case?
If the divorce lawyer is part of a larger office, be sure to clarify who will precisely be working with you or on your case. Is it the attorney you are meeting with, or one of their subordinates? How large will the legal team be?
These answers can inform you about the divorce attorney’s skills, honesty, and how much their services may cost in the end.
Have You Handled Similar Cases Before?
Perhaps most important, ask a divorce attorney whether they have handled a case similar to your own before. If so, they may be a great fit for your situation.
Divorce attorneys who’ve produced successful case outcomes with circumstances similar to your upcoming divorce are the best choices. They already know how to navigate the court intricacies of your upcoming divorce and may have special advice to help you present your case to the judge as effectively as possible.
What Will the Process Be Like?
If your upcoming divorce is your first time going through the legal system, don’t hesitate to ask a divorce attorney what the entire process will be like. If they really have the experience you want, they should be able to answer this question quickly yet thoroughly.
By getting an overview of the divorce process, you’ll feel less intimidated by the entire procedure and you’ll feel more confident when asking the next big question.
What Do You Need to Know From/About Me?
Ask any divorce attorney you are considering hiring what they will need from you or what they need to know about your situation. A good divorce attorney will ask you a lot of in-depth questions so they can build the strongest case possible before your court date.
An attorney that skips over these questions or who seems otherwise uninterested in you or the details of your divorce is not a good hire. The devil is often in the details, especially when it comes to divorce cases.
A good divorce attorney will also be very clear about what they’ll expect from you in terms of documents, behavior, and attendance in court. In fact, they’ll be more than willing to walk you through the entire process from start to finish.
What Will Your Services Cost?
Naturally, you should ask any potential divorce lawyer how much their services will cost. They should provide you with at least a rough estimate, but don’t be alarmed if a divorce attorney doesn’t tell you how much their help will cost in precise terms.
They may resist giving a complete or guaranteed answer on this point because it may depend heavily on how conflicted the case is, how long it lasts, and more.
At the same time, any divorce attorney who doesn’t provide any information about potential fees or costs is not worth your time. They could be trying to get you to hire them without knowing how expensive they are, or they may use predatory billing practices. Read more in our blog: Attorney Fees and Costs in Florida: What Changed in 2023?
What Do You Think the Likely Outcome Will Be?
Again, divorce cases can be extraordinarily complex. No attorney should promise you a 100% guaranteed positive outcome. But a good divorce lawyer should be able to provide you with an estimated outcome or rough projection once they have all your information.
If an attorney is confident enough to say something like, “It’ll be tough, but I think we can secure a good settlement for your side”, it’s an excellent sign that they will provide quality legal representation.
When/Where Can I Reach You?
Lastly, be sure to ask a divorce attorney when and where you will be able to reach them. During your divorce case, you may need to contact your attorney suddenly or outside of normal business hours.
A divorce lawyer truly dedicated to your case will provide several communication channels or means to reach them, including a phone number, an email address, and other information.
In contrast, a divorce lawyer who doesn’t provide you with this information may be difficult to communicate with during your case.
Summary of Questions to Ask a Divorce Attorney
In the end, the divorce lawyer you hire can have a massive impact on the outcome of your divorce case by influencing the settlement you receive, the decisions of the judge for the dispersal of possessions or child support, and more. It’s imperative that you hire the attorney that is the best fit for your case.
That’s why Hunter Law is your best choice for divorce representation in Tampa, Florida, and the surrounding area. With over 50 years of combined legal experience, we’re well-equipped and ready to help with your divorce case no matter the details.
Call us to schedule your consultation today. In this consultation, we recommend that you ask us each of the above eight questions (and more!). We’ll be happy to provide you with thorough answers to alleviate your concerns and to offer honest recommendations for your next steps. Contact us today.