Choosing the Right Divorce Attorney
December 22, 2023
No two divorces are exactly alike, and every family will have their own unique concerns when facing divorce. When you are choosing your divorce attorney, think about what your divorce will entail. If you and your spouse have children together, you will want to find an attorney who understands child custody and child support concerns. If you and your spouse own a business, you will need an attorney who can help you through a high asset divorce. As you consult with different attorneys, think about what is most important and make sure your attorney has the right experience for your situation.
Choosing the Right Divorce Attorney for a High Asset Divorce
A high-asset divorce, typically referring to a divorce where spouses have over $1,000,000 in assets, can be more complicated. While every divorce is challenging, a high-asset divorce often has additional financial aspects to work through to ensure an equitable division of assets. When you have a high-asset divorce, it is important to choose an attorney who has experience in similar cases. An experienced attorney will have access to the right experts and professionals to ensure your case is handled correctly from the beginning and you are prepared for all the challenges of a high-asset split.
When Custody and Child Support Matters Most
If you have children with your spouse and will be looking at a custody agreement and child support, you want to make sure you find an attorney who has experience in handling these family law situations. The more experienced your attorney is in custody situations, the better they will be at helping you through your divorce. Your attorney will have excellent communication skills and be able to determine what is most important to you when it comes to custody and child support decisions. The best divorce attorneys for child custody will have a plan for your case that they can communicate to you early in the process, and will make sure that you understand and feel comfortable with what is happening.
Choosing the Right Divorce Attorney When You Own a Business
When you and your spouse own a business together and are going through a divorce, things can get more complicated. If this is your situation, you want to find a divorce attorney who can assist with guiding you through business valuation and division. In some cases, you and your spouse may need to sell the business, continue to co-own the business, or have one spouse buy the other out. No matter what you choose, things can get complicated quickly. When you look for an attorney, make sure they understand your situation and have the right experience and expertise to guide you toward the right decisions.
Choosing the Right Divorce Attorney for an Amicable Divorce
Many spouses come to the decision to end their marriage, but are committed to making the process amicable. In these cases, you may be tempted to forgo hiring an attorney at all, but this is usually not a good idea. Even with the best of intentions, you still need to make sure that you are protecting yourself, your interests, and your future, and having an experienced divorce attorney who is focused on what is best for you is the best way to do that. Divorce is still a legal process and a lawyer will ensure that everything is filed correctly and you have not overlooked anything. When you are choosing an attorney and are hoping for an amicable divorce, let your attorney know that you would like the process to be as non-confrontational as possible, and your attorney will follow your lead. Finding a lawyer who will respect you and your wishes while still giving you good advice and guidance is key.
Choosing the Right Divorce Attorney for a Difficult Divorce
All divorces are stressful, but when you and your spouse are unable to have an amicable divorce, the process can become overwhelming. When you are heading toward a difficult divorce, you need to find a local divorce attorney who can work through the process without the emotions that you are likely feeling. When going through a contentious divorce, keep detailed records of all communication, financial transactions, and any other documentation that will help your settlement. Your attorney can help you fight for a fair settlement while keeping you focused on your goals, not the conflict.
What Questions Should I Ask at My Initial Consultation?
When you are searching for a divorce attorney, there are some questions you can ask, no matter what your situation.
- How many divorce cases have you successfully handled that are similar to mine?
- Will anyone else in your office be working on my case? What is their experience?
- What is your strategy for my case?
- How long do you anticipate the process to take?
- How do you handle billing?
- What is your communication style? How quickly can I expect to hear back from you when I reach out?
No matter what the circumstances of your divorce, finding an attorney who has the right experience and expertise is the most important to getting you a fair settlement. When you are ready to end your marriage, begin your consultations with attorneys as soon as possible to ensure that you will find the right fit as soon as possible. Divorce is emotional and it isn’t easy, but the right divorce attorney will help guide you to a better future. If you’re going through a divorce, contact my office today.