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A great deal of damage can be done when divorce proceedings go wrong. The personal and financial losses can be significant. That’s why hiring an experienced divorce lawyer is worthwhile. They can guide you through the process and fight for your rights every step of the way. While hiring the best divorce lawyer isn’t guaranteed, you may improve your chances by asking them these crucial questions:
Question #1: Do You Have Experience in My Location?
Divorce laws vary from state to state, which means actions you take to initiate divorce proceedings in one state may not be necessary in another. With that in mind, hire a divorce lawyer with experience in San Jose or wherever you require their services to be confident in their knowledge.
Question #2: What Is Your Background and Experience?
You want to ensure that the lawyer you hire is experienced in divorce law and in specific cases like yours. Ask about the length of time they’ve been practicing family law and the percentage of those cases focused on divorce proceedings.
You can also inquire about their approach to divorce cases, as some lawyers tend to favor settlement, while others are better suited for mediation or litigation. If your spouse has already hired their own lawyer and you know who it is, ask your lawyer if they have worked with that specific lawyer before.
Question #3: What Would Your Case Strategy Be?
If you have taken advantage of a case review session with a potential new lawyer, it’s worthwhile to ask them what their case strategy would be, based on the information you’ve given them. You can follow on from this question by asking about any challenges they foresee.
Given that most lawyers have a preferred style for divorce proceedings, ask about their philosophy on negotiation and compromise. This can be an especially important question if you predict that your spouse won’t agree to all your initial terms.
Question #4: How Will We Communicate?
While family lawyers deal with divorce proceedings all the time, it’s likely not something you’re familiar with as someone who has only been married once. You’re bound to have questions and want them answered in a timely manner. Before hiring a lawyer, ask them about their preferred communication methods so you know what to expect during the process.
Some lawyers prefer that the majority of their communications be conducted via email, over the phone, or in person. Others want to be able to focus on your case, so they delegate client communications to other attorneys or support staff.
Question #5: What Costs and Fees Can I Expect?
Costs and fee structures differ from lawyer to lawyer. While personal injury lawyers tend to operate on a contingency fee basis, family lawyers typically have an hourly rate or another set structure. To know what to expect, ask the question.
You can inquire about hourly rates and whether a retainer is required. You can also ask if they will provide a written fee agreement. It’s even worth inquiring about possible additional costs, such as expert witnesses, mediation, and court fees.
You deserve the best lawyer to guide you through legal proceedings, but finding such a lawyer isn’t an instant process. Ask these questions to narrow down your options and make your decision with confidence.
