How to Find a Good Divorce Lawyer
What even is a good divorce lawyer? How do you know if you found one? Do they need to be smart? Strategic? Empathetic? Responsive? Scary to your former partner? Affordable? Possibly. A good divorce lawyer for you may not be ideal for someone else, which is why simply acting on the referral of a recently divorced friend may not be sufficient. Your attorney-client relationship is one that will likely last you the good part of a year or more, so you should choose carefully.
Below are my recommended criteria to address to land you in the best spot:
1. Good Divorce Lawyers Understand Your Goals
Begin by identifying your specific needs and goals for the divorce process. Are you aiming for an amicable split, or do you anticipate a contentious battle? Is your partner a narcissist? Is your child special needs? Do you have complex financial assets that require expertise in property division? Is your partner likely to hide assets? By understanding your priorities, you can tailor your search to find an attorney with the appropriate skills and experience.
2. Research and Referrals
Word of mouth is a powerful tool when it comes to finding a reliable divorce attorney. After you know your own goals, seek recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have been through a divorce themselves. Additionally, utilize online resources, such as legal directories and reviews, to gather a list of potential attorneys in your area. Compile a diverse range of options to ensure you find the best fit for your unique circumstances.
And remember, even if you absolutely love the first attorney you vet, you should consider at least one to two others for comparison. Attorneys are understandably eager to get your business, and you will find a wide variety of helpful ways their varying practices may help them stand out and support you best.
3. Credentials and Experience Matter
Scrutinize the credentials and experience of the attorneys on your list. Obviously look for board certification in family law, which indicates a high level of expertise and commitment to the field. Consider the attorney's experience in handling cases similar to yours, especially if you anticipate complexities such as child custody battles, substantial financial assets, or a high conflict partner. Check out any podcasts or blog articles the firm has posted for a better sense of their expertise as well.
4. Communication and Compatibility
My clients often complain that their divorce lawyer does not communicate with them as they would wish. Effective communication is key during a divorce, and your attorney should be an excellent communicator. Be aware, however, that your attorney may not communicate with you if there is another case before them or there is no new news. They may not respond when the issue you approach them for is your own emotional unloading as opposed to an organized and succinct question. Your anxiety and your venting are not top priorities for them. Communication with your attorney is most successful when it is brief and targeted. You can find more tips on how to manage your divorce attorney during the process here.
Schedule initial consultations with potential attorneys to assess their communication style, responsiveness, and ability to explain complex legal concepts in a way that you can understand. Share your goals with them and test if they are realistic. Additionally, consider the attorney's approach to conflict resolution and whether it aligns with your preferences.
5. Legal Fees and Transparency
Understanding the financial aspect of hiring a divorce attorney is crucial. Inquire about the attorney's fee structure, including hourly rates, retainer fees, and any additional costs. A transparent and honest discussion about fees upfront will help you avoid surprises down the road. Moreover, discuss potential strategies to manage costs and keep legal expenses within your budget. Ask them when they want to hear from you, when or if you will have a strategy session to fully understand the plan for your case, and what successful clients look like from their perspective.
6. Client Testimonials and Reviews
Finally, explore client testimonials and reviews to gain insights into the experiences of others who have worked with the attorney. Pay attention to feedback on communication, negotiation skills, and overall satisfaction. While no attorney is immune to occasional negative reviews, patterns of consistent positive feedback can provide confidence in your decision.
If finding a good divorce attorney by yourself is overwhelming to you, we should talk. Book a free discovery session here.
About the Author:
Hi, I’m Andrea, a divorce coach, author, and speaker. I’m the creator of the Divorce Differently with H.E.A.R.T. model, and I can work with you to create a healthier divorce and life (even when your partner is difficult). My clients walk through divorce with a better understanding of the process, clearer expectations, defined boundaries, and useful hacks to make this most unwanted situation doable. I can teach you how to do it too! Let’s talk.
