Can you believe that more than 630,000 married couples end up getting divorced each year in the United States?
While the idea of a divorce can be sad, it’s important for every couple to acknowledge that anything is possible in their relationship no matter how loving they are. If you start to notice that one or both parties are unhappy and communication can’t resolve your issues, then divorce may need to be on the table.
If you’ve been thinking about getting a divorce, then you owe it to yourself to hire the best divorce lawyer possible. With so much on the line, you can’t afford to get the short end of the stick during this split. Read on to break down seven crucial tips that will help you find your ideal divorce lawyer.
1. Read Reviews for Divorce Lawyers
If you take a look at any lawyer’s website, then you’ll notice that their marketing campaigns make them seem like the most talented professionals in their industry. It’s easy to buy into marketing, but reading reviews is a quick way to paint a fuller picture when it comes to a lawyer’s skills. If a lawyer truly is talented, then their clients will rave about how much they did to help them.
To get the most out of your online review experience, you should set a filter that eliminates lawyers who’ve earned a low star rating from past clients. This simple step will save you lots of time and you can focus more on the lawyers who are worthy of your time and money. Afterward, you can scan each lawyer’s reviews to look for any red flags until you’re left with a handful of solid candidates.
2. Ask Your Divorced Friends About Their Lawyers
While divorce can be a sticky subject, your closest loved ones should have no problem opening up to you about their experiences. Their advice could help you come out of this bad situation with the resources you need to rebuild a happier life. If you know anyone who’s had a divorce in the last few years, you should ask them about who they hired and if they’d recommend their legal services.
Friends, family members, coworkers, other parents in your community, and even neighbors could have valuable insights to share. Since filing for divorce is an intimidating and intimate experience to go through with a stranger, you can feel better knowing that a lawyer has already helped people you know in the past.
If your loved ones have any regrets, then you can learn from their experiences as well to shape a better outcome.
3. Learn About Each Lawyer’s Professional Background
In a perfect world, your divorce lawyer would have experience with all types of divorces. Lots of couples don’t know how their split is going to happen, so they rely on a knowledgeable lawyer to steer them in the right direction based on all the facts. Doing basic research on each potential divorce lawyer’s background will let you know if they’re qualified for your case.
You should be able to find all kinds of interesting facts about each lawyer’s education and work experience on their business website. One key factor that you should look out for is how long they’ve been taking on cases within the divorce niche. The longer a lawyer has been dealing with a variety of divorce cases, the more tools they’ll have to help you achieve the best results.
4. Figure Out How Much They’ll Charge You
A common fear that many people have is that their divorce will bankrupt them. Entering a legal dispute comes with a range of fees, but some lawyers offer fairer deals than others. It’s important to educate yourself on how lawyers charge clients.
Many divorce lawyers charge by the hour, which makes comparing rates easier. However, you need to make sure that you understand each lawyer’s fees so you don’t end up with a bad deal
5. Ask Them About Their Divorce Strategies
From a no-fault divorce to a contested divorce and beyond, every married couple’s split looks different. You need to find a lawyer who shares your sentiments when it comes to your case. For example, if you want to have an amicable split, then you deserve a lawyer who’s great at mediating.
You can learn a lot about how divorce lawyers approach their cases by asking them about their strategies. If you appreciate their perspective, then you can move forward with them.
6. The Best Divorce Lawyer Will Know How to Communicate With You
If your divorce case is difficult, then you should expect the negotiations to last for months. You need to prioritize your own well-being during this stressful time. Your divorce lawyer needs to know what they can do to minimize your worries during this procedure.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to get frequent updates to know there’s progress, then your lawyer should be available through email, phone calls, or whatever you prefer. If you want to keep your divorce in the back of your mind, your lawyer should only contact you with big updates.
7. Schedule a Consultation Before You Move Forward
Your divorce lawyer should be kind, knowledgeable, and make you feel at ease. You should schedule a consultation with a few of your top picks to get a better feel for their personalities before you hire anyone.
If a divorce lawyer brushes off your questions or has an unprofessional office, then you should pass on their services. If you walk away from your first meeting with a confident smile, then you can know you’re making the right decision.
Are You Looking for a Divorce Lawyer in Newark, NJ?
Finding the best divorce lawyer doesn’t need to be an exhausting chore. Using this advice will allow you to hire the finest professional in your area.
Are you in need of a Newark divorce lawyer? Maduabum Law Firm is here to help. Contact us to learn more about our top-notch legal services.
