Qualities Of Good Divorce Lawyers
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Five Key Tips for finding good divorce lawyers.
By Len Stauffenger
Choosing a lawyer is like choosing a doctor. You want to find someone who works well with your personality and legal needs. Just because someone is a good lawyer doesn’t mean he or she is the lawyer for you. When you’re looking for a divorce lawyer, keep these tips in mind:
1. Check out the lawyer’s personality.
A hot-headed lawyer is not going to look good for you nor do you much good. A divorce is stressful; you’ll want a lawyer that stays calm so that he or she can help keep you calm. Additionally, you’ll want to find a lawyer who is willing to take the time to answer your questions and who understands what is important to you. For example, if the most important part of the divorce to you is getting a reasonable custody settlement, you’ll want to avoid the lawyer that keeps returning to financial settlements in your discussions.
2. Don’t underestimate the power of technology.
An option for you to complete yourself is one of the software programs out there. You can go through the division of your property and the support for your kids more efficiently and with less emotion. Furthermore, sometimes it’s easier to keep in touch via email when you both are busy (as long as your lawyer isn’t opposed to phone calls and face-to-face meetings when you need more detailed explanations.)
3. Find someone who is not afraid to be straightforward.
Your lawyer should be willing to be honest with you as well as understand divorce laws. His knowledge about divorce law allows him to be honest about what you might expect as an outcome. If your request will likely end up unfavorably to you, your lawyer should be honest. Likewise, you’ll be stressed during the divorce. Your lawyer is the one who should remind you what is important and what should and shouldn’t be pursued.
4. Make sure your lawyer understands the complexity of divorce.
Divorce is not just a legal issue. Many factors are included: kids, property settlement, finances, fiery emotions and the law – if you can think of it, it’s there inside the divorce. Listen carefully to what your lawyer is saying. If you hear an emphasis only on winning or losing, this attorney might not have listened to everything you’ve told him that is having an effect on you. Find someone who understands divorce support and will be able to help you keep all aspects of the divorce in perspective.
5. Find someone you can afford.
If you are worried about the legal fees you’ll incur throughout the divorce, talk to your lawyer. You might be able to change from an hourly fee to a flat rate program that clearly lays out what is involved.
Finding a lawyer is not as simple as calling the first person you find in the yellow pages. Don’t be afraid to call several divorce lawyers and go on to discuss with them your expectations and specific situation before you make your final decision. It’s also helpful to ask the people you know for recommendations.
Len Stauffenger’s parents taught him life’s simple wisdom. As a divorced dad, he wanted to share that simple wisdom with his girls. “Getting Over It: Wisdom for Divorced Parents”, his book, is the solution. Len is a Reiki Master, an author, a Success Coach and an Attorney. http://www.wisdomfordivorcedparents.com
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