Five Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Divorce Attorney

September 14, 2018 Posted in Divorce

Going through the dissolution of a marriage is difficult enough. The last thing you need is to worry about whether or not you selected the right Dallas divorce attorney to represent you.

Of course you will need to understand the firm’s fee structure and how and for what you will be billed, but it is also important that you feel confident that you will receive exemplary legal advice and representation. Regardless of whether your divorce is cooperative or contentious, this is going to be a stressful time and you need the right advocate by your side.

Before you sign on with a lawyer, find out if he or she is right for you by asking a few important questions.

Do You Regularly Handle Cases Like Mine?

Your divorce may be cooperative or it may be contested, but either way you need to make sure the attorney you select has experience with your particular type of case. If your case involves child custody and support matters, division of property, issues surrounding premarital and postmarital agreements, restraining and protective orders, or even common law marriage or annulment, be sure to question your attorney about his or her experience in representing clients like you.

Do You Have Courtroom Experience?

Everybody hopes to achieve a cooperative divorce arrangement. But sometimes a stronger and more aggressive approach is necessary. Lawsuits may have to be filed, and that could involve courtroom proceedings with judges hearing evidence and testimony. Make sure your attorney won’t shy away from a fight if it comes to that. Look for someone who not only knows how to negotiate an amicable agreement, but who also has earned a reputation for aggressive advocacy in the courtroom.

Will You Personally Handle My Case or Do You Hand Cases Off to Others in Your Office?

When you meet with an attorney for an initial consultation, one of the things you are doing is sizing him or her up for compatibility. Is this someone who seems to have your best interests in mind? Is this someone you feel that you could work with? Hiring an attorney is personal, so the last thing you want is to end up working with someone you didn’t personally select. Make sure the attorney you meet with is the attorney who will actually be representing you.

Can You Tell Me What I Can Expect to Happen During My Divorce?

An attorney experienced in your type of case should be able to walk you through the process, helping you to understand what you can expect to happen. Your attorney should also be able to anticipate and explain most of the issues that could arise during your divorce. He or she should be able to help you feel secure by adequately preparing you for what to expect, without making any kind of promises regarding outcome.

How Much Say Will I Have in Your Strategy?

You and your legal representative should operate like a team. Make sure your attorney commits to keeping you up-to-date on what is happening in your case and that you understand and approve of their strategy.

You should be able to rely on the experience, integrity, and knowledge of your divorce attorney when making important decisions about how to proceed in your divorce. Feel free to contact us online or call our offices at 214-977-9050.